Understanding memory loss in Alzheimer's disease through brain circuit analysis
Official title: Lateral entorhinal cortex dysfunction in an APP knock-in model of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11087716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how problems in a specific part of the brain affect memory in people with Alzheimer's, using animal models to understand what goes wrong as the disease gets worse, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve memory for those affected.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $529,388 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086441-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dysfunction in the lateral entorhinal cortex affects memory formation in Alzheimer's disease. By studying an animal model of Alzheimer's, the researchers aim to identify the specific neural circuit activities that are compromised as the disease progresses. The approach includes advanced techniques like optogenetics to analyze neuron behavior and their relationship to memory performance. The ultimate goal is to inform the development of new treatments that could restore memory function in affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve memory function in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding neural circuits in Alzheimer's models, suggesting potential for breakthroughs in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Igarashi, Kei M — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Igarashi, Kei M
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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.