Understanding how aging affects memory and familiarity in older adults
Official title: Dopaminergic Mechanism for Familiarity and Memory Interference
Funded at Advanced Science Research Center · NIH-10989092 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how changes in the brain as we age can affect memory and our ability to tell old memories from new ones, focusing on older adults and how certain brain areas might make it harder to learn new things when we have lots of memories already.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Advanced Science Research Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $434,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085288-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10989092 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who may be experiencing cognitive decline or memory impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how age-related changes in the brain, specifically in dopamine neurons, affect memory and the ability to distinguish between familiar and new information in older adults. The study focuses on the role of the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC) and how its dysfunction may lead to increased memory interference, where established memories disrupt the learning of new information. By examining these neural circuits in older mice, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cognitive decline and memory issues associated with aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving memory function and cognitive health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the role of dopamine in memory processing has shown promise, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Advanced Science Research Center
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Passos Mingote, Susana — Advanced Science Research Center
- Study coordinator: Passos Mingote, Susana
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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.