Understanding how genetic factors influence tau protein spread in early-onset Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neurogenetic contributions to the spread of tau pathology in sporadic early-onset Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10992125 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genes might affect the spread of tau-related changes in the brains of people with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding better ways to care for and treat those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $129,075 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG084820-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992125 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with sporadic early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with late-onset Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic contributions to the spread of tau pathology in early-onset Alzheimer's disease (EOAD), which is known for its aggressive clinical course and atypical symptoms. By utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques and analyzing gene expression, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that drive disease progression in EOAD. Patients will be part of the Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study (LEADS), which provides a rich dataset for understanding how tau pathology develops over time. The goal is to enhance knowledge that could lead to improved patient care and treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and management of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease, but this specific focus on early-onset cases and genetic factors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katsumi, Yuta — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Katsumi, Yuta
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.