Understanding how Alzheimer's disease affects memory storage in the brain
Official title: The impact of Alzheimer's disease on novel genetic signatures of hippocampal memory traces
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10997953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how brain cells that help us remember things change as we get older and as Alzheimer's disease progresses, using mice to find clues that could lead to new ways to help improve memory for people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AG090071-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing age-related cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related memory impairments or those without cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular changes in brain cells that are responsible for storing memories in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Using a mouse model, the study focuses on identifying unique genetic signatures in memory-related brain cells, known as engram cells, and how these signatures change with age and the progression of Alzheimer's. Advanced techniques like single-nuclear RNA sequencing will be employed to analyze the gene expression in these cells, aiming to uncover the underlying mechanisms of memory impairment associated with Alzheimer's. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for improving memory function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding memory mechanisms in Alzheimer's models, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bulthuis, Nicholas Edward — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Bulthuis, Nicholas Edward
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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.