Understanding how brain injuries may lead to Alzheimer's disease
Applying human in vitro models to understand the link between trauma and tau pathology
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · NIH-10786930
This study is looking at how a traumatic brain injury might lead to Alzheimer's disease by affecting brain cells, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how brain injuries could impact memory and thinking in the future.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10786930 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It focuses on how TBI may cause calcium overload in brain cells, leading to changes in tau proteins that are associated with Alzheimer's. Using human stem cells, the study will examine how different brain cell types respond to trauma and measure the resulting damage and inflammatory responses. The goal is to uncover the mechanisms linking TBI to Alzheimer's, which could inform future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury and are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a traumatic brain injury or those who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or mitigate Alzheimer's disease in individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the connection between TBI and Alzheimer's is recognized, this specific approach using human in vitro models to explore the underlying mechanisms is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO — Chicago, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FINAN, JOHN D — UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: FINAN, JOHN D
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease