Understanding how some people resist Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Genetic resiliency to disease progression in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11001930 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why some people with Alzheimer's can still think clearly even though they have the disease, by examining special mice and how social interactions might help keep their brains healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $49,209 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG085919-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11001930 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who may exhibit varying degrees of cognitive function despite their diagnosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease who are already experiencing significant cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind why some individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) show resilience against cognitive decline despite having the disease's neuropathology. By studying transgenic mice that mimic human AD, researchers aim to identify biological markers associated with resilience, particularly focusing on the expression of ΔFosB in the brain. The study also explores the role of social interaction in reducing dementia risk, which could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for patients. Through this approach, the research seeks to uncover factors that help maintain cognitive function in the face of Alzheimer's pathology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding resilience in Alzheimer's through similar animal models, indicating potential for breakthroughs in human applications.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: St. Romain, Corey — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: St. Romain, Corey
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.