Understanding emotion changes in Alzheimer's disease
Emotion alterations across the Alzheimer's disease spectrum
This project looks at how emotions and social behaviors change in people with Alzheimer's disease, from early stages to more advanced forms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086652 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that changes in how people experience and express emotions can be an early sign of Alzheimer's disease, even before memory problems become obvious. This project aims to understand these emotional shifts, including how empathy might change, across the different ways Alzheimer's can show up. Researchers will look at brain changes, like the buildup of certain proteins and how brain networks connect, to see how these relate to emotional symptoms. The goal is to better understand these often-overlooked aspects of the disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is interested in individuals across the Alzheimer's disease spectrum, including those with early signs of pathology but no cognitive symptoms, and those with typical or atypical forms of the disease.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are unrelated to Alzheimer's disease or its associated emotional and social changes may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease and new ways to support patients and their families dealing with emotional and social changes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have started to show connections between brain changes in Alzheimer's and emotional symptoms like anxiety and empathy, suggesting this approach has a foundation.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sturm, Virginia Emily — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Sturm, Virginia Emily
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.