Understanding how air pollution affects Alzheimer's disease
Traffic-related air pollution exacerbates AD-relevant phenotypes in a genetically susceptible rat model via neuroinflammatory mechanism(s)
This project explores how breathing polluted air might make Alzheimer's disease worse in people who are already at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11373711 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that genes and our environment both play a role in when Alzheimer's disease starts and how it progresses. This project focuses on how traffic-related air pollution might speed up or worsen Alzheimer's symptoms. Researchers are using a special model that exposes rats with human Alzheimer's genes to real-world air pollution from a freeway tunnel. This allows them to see exactly which parts of vehicle emissions cause brain inflammation and damage. The goal is to understand how pollution affects the brain through the lungs, potentially leading to new ways to protect against Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals interested in how environmental factors, specifically air pollution, contribute to the development and progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how to reduce the risk or slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease by addressing environmental factors like air pollution.
How similar studies have performed: While previous studies suggest a link between air pollution and Alzheimer's risk, this project uses a unique, real-world exposure model to establish a causal relationship and identify specific mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lein, Pamela J — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Lein, Pamela J
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.