Understanding how dopamine affects resilience to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Dopaminergic mechanisms of resilience to Alzheimer's disease neuropathology
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10809199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how differences in a brain chemical called dopamine might help some people keep their thinking skills even when they have early signs of Alzheimer's, and it's for anyone interested in understanding why some people cope better with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $436,775 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG081759-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cognitively normal adults and those with mild cognitive impairment, particularly those with the DRD2 T/T genotype.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without the relevant genetic polymorphism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individual differences in the dopamine system may influence the effects of Alzheimer's disease-related brain changes on cognitive function. By examining a specific genetic variant associated with dopamine receptor activity, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that help some individuals maintain cognitive abilities despite the presence of Alzheimer's pathology. The research will utilize data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative to analyze brain structure and function in cognitively normal individuals and those with mild cognitive impairment. This approach could lead to insights into neuroprotective factors that support cognitive resilience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify genetic factors that help protect against cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that genetic factors related to dopamine receptors can influence cognitive resilience, suggesting a promising avenue for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berry, Anne Shively — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Berry, Anne Shively
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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.