Understanding how aging and Alzheimer's Disease affect brain health and memory.
Official title: Comparison of normal aging with Alzheimer's Disease: cellular, synaptic, and vascular indices affecting brain plasticity and neurogenesis
Funded at New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC · NIH-11143206 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how aging affects brain health and memory by comparing older adults with and without Alzheimer's, to learn more about the brain's ability to grow new cells and connections, which could help improve understanding and treatment of memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $714,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080790-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143206 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, including those with normal cognitive function and those diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those with other neurological conditions unrelated to aging or Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the differences in brain health between normal aging and Alzheimer's Disease, focusing on how certain cells and blood vessels in the brain contribute to memory and cognitive functions. The study examines the role of specific proteins that are essential for the growth of new brain cells and the connections between them. By comparing older adults with and without Alzheimer's, the research aims to uncover how aging impacts brain plasticity and the formation of new neurons, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing brain health and memory in older adults, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neurogenesis and vascular changes in aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boldrini, Maura — New York State Psychiatric Institute Dba Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, INC
- Study coordinator: Boldrini, Maura
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Lipids and brain aging in Alzheimer's disease
Aims to understand how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and Alzheimer's disease by studying blood and brain-related lipid patterns.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids in aging and Alzheimer's disease
A lipid-focused research effort is exploring how fat-related molecules influence brain aging and Alzheimer's disease to uncover new ideas for care.
-
Metabolic clues from lipids to understand aging and Alzheimer’s disease
This grant studies how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Team science approach to study aging and Alzheimer’s disease with machine learning and functional genomics
A combined team effort will use advanced computer models and brain cell data to understand how aging influences Alzheimer’s disease.
-
Brains aging and Alzheimer’s disease: a multi-scale MRI and biology study
Researchers will combine advanced diffusion MRI and biological data to better understand how aging relates to Alzheimer’s disease in people, aiming to spot early signals that may lead to prevention.
-
Studying how aging and Alzheimer’s affect the front part of the brain using real-time imaging and computer models
Researchers will combine live brain imaging in animals with computer simulations to understand how aging and Alzheimer’s disease change the prefrontal cortex and relate to memory and thinking problems.
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.