Understanding how exercise protects the brain from Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Deconstruction of a Hypothalamic Exercise-responsive Circuit for Neuroprotection
Funded at Jackson Laboratory · NIH-11031980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exercise can help keep your brain healthy and protect against memory problems like Alzheimer's, by exploring how certain brain cells react to physical activity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Jackson Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bar Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $719,253 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079877-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly older adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those unable to engage in physical activity may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exercise influences brain activity to protect against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. By studying specific neurons in the hypothalamus that respond to exercise, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects of physical activity. The approach involves both animal models and advanced techniques to stimulate and observe neuronal activity, providing insights into how exercise can enhance brain health. Patients may benefit from findings that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that harness the protective effects of exercise against Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that exercise can improve cognitive function and reduce neuroinflammation, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bloss, Erik Bradley — Jackson Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Bloss, Erik Bradley
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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.