Understanding how aging affects myelin and oligodendrocytes in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Understanding Oligodendrocyte Lineage Dyshomeostasis during Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11447693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how aging changes brain cells called oligodendrocytes and myelin to better understand and treat Alzheimer's-related cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $583,815 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG096593-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with aging-related cognitive concerns or early Alzheimer’s disease, and individuals able to contribute patient-related data or samples.
✕Less likely to help
The study is focused on mechanisms and may not directly benefit all participants; some may not experience personal improvements during the research period.
What this research studies
As people age, changes in myelin and the cells that create it may contribute to Alzheimer's disease. The study investigates how aging impacts oligodendrocyte precursor cells and myelin maintenance in the brain, using human-relevant models and possibly patient-derived data. By exploring these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment. The work involves advanced imaging and analyses to connect aging biology with AD pathology and potential treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new approaches to preserve myelin and cognitive function in aging and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked myelin loss and oligodendrocyte dysfunction to aging and AD, with growing evidence supporting targeting myelin biology as a therapeutic avenue.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Tsai-Yi — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Lu, Tsai-Yi
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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.