Understanding how infections affect memory and brain health in Alzheimer's
Microbial Impact on NeuroDegeneration in Alzheimer's Dementia: MIND-AD
This project looks at how common infections, including COVID-19, might be connected to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease over many years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11093426 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease is a serious health concern with no cure, so finding ways to prevent it is very important. This project explores whether common infections, like herpes viruses, Epstein-Barr, Toxoplasma gondii, and the virus causing COVID-19, play a role in developing Alzheimer's. Researchers will look at how these infections relate to changes in memory, signs of Alzheimer's in blood, and markers of aging over a long period. They will also consider how factors like sex, genetics, and stress might influence these connections. The goal is to identify modifiable risk factors that could help reduce the burden of Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on understanding past infections and their long-term effects on cognitive health in a large group of individuals over many years.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct intervention for existing Alzheimer's disease would not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify specific infections or related factors that can be targeted to help prevent or slow down Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While initial evidence suggests a link between infections and Alzheimer's, this project aims to provide a more comprehensive and long-term understanding of this complex relationship.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spira, Adam Peter — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Spira, Adam Peter
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.