Understanding how certain brain chemicals affect memory in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Catecholaminergic Signaling in Normal Cognition, Aging and Models of Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10875743 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain chemicals, like dopamine and norepinephrine, affect memory as we age and in people with Alzheimer's, using animal models to see how changes in these chemicals might help us understand memory problems better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $619,575 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG066905-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875743 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing memory issues or individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of catecholaminergic signaling, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine, in memory processes related to aging and Alzheimer's disease. By using rodent models, the study aims to explore how these neurotransmitters influence memory encoding and retrieval, particularly in the hippocampus, which is crucial for forming memories. The researchers will employ pharmacological and genetic techniques to manipulate these signaling pathways and assess their effects on memory performance. This approach could provide insights into the underlying mechanisms of memory impairment associated with aging and Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for improving memory function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and age-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of neurotransmitters in memory, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Steven a — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Steven a
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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.