Understanding how stress and hormones affect memory as we age
The role of stress exposure on estradiol-induced changes in neuroinflammation and cognition
This research explores how stress and the hormone estradiol might influence memory and brain inflammation in aging females.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097349 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As people live longer, more are experiencing age-related memory decline, and women face a higher risk. This project aims to understand why stress and social challenges can worsen memory problems, especially considering the hormone estradiol's role. Researchers will use a non-human primate model to see if stress changes how estradiol affects brain inflammation and memory. The goal is to uncover the biological reasons behind these connections, which could help explain why some women are more vulnerable to cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is relevant for aging women concerned about cognitive decline, especially those with a history of stress exposure.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention will not receive benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect memory and brain health in aging women, particularly those who have experienced significant stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous findings on estradiol's effects on cognition have been mixed, highlighting the need for this novel approach to understand how stress might influence its impact.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Michopoulos, Vasiliki — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Michopoulos, Vasiliki
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.