Understanding how aging affects memory and increases Alzheimer's risk
Official title: Tracking the onset of spatial memory deficits in aging and Alzheimers disease models with single neuron resolution electrophysiology
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10910257 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects brain cells and their connections, which can lead to memory problems and Alzheimer's disease, using special technology in mice to see how different types of tau proteins impact memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AG068602-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910257 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who are experiencing age-related cognitive decline or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any cognitive impairments or risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the changes in individual neurons and their circuits in the aging brain and how these changes contribute to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Using advanced mesh electronics technology, the study will conduct longitudinal electrophysiology and behavioral assessments in mouse models to observe how age-related alterations in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex affect spatial memory. The research aims to differentiate the impacts of soluble versus aggregated tau proteins on neuronal function and memory impairment, providing insights into the mechanisms behind Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neuronal changes associated with aging and Alzheimer's, but this approach using mesh electronics is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zwang, Theodore Joseph — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zwang, Theodore Joseph
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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.