Understanding how visual impairments contribute to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Disruption of sensory pathways in dementia pathogenesis
Funded at Northeast Ohio Medical University · NIH-10888472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with vision might be linked to the early signs of Alzheimer's disease, especially by checking how certain proteins in the eye could affect how we see and think, with the hope of finding new ways to help people with dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northeast Ohio Medical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rootstown, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $309,960 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG087423-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10888472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing early visual impairments or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any visual impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between visual sensory impairments and the onset of Alzheimer's disease. It aims to identify how the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins in the eye affects the primary visual pathway from the retina to the brain. By studying these changes, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms that could lead to early interventions for dementia. The approach includes using experimental models to observe the effects of these proteins on neuronal activity in the visual cortex.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for early detection and prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary research has shown promising results regarding the role of visual dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Rootstown, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crish, Christine Marie — Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Study coordinator: Crish, Christine Marie
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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.