Understanding muscle loss in early Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Accelerated Sarcopenia in Early Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10991329 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early Alzheimer's disease can cause muscle loss before memory problems start, and it aims to find ways to keep your muscles healthy and strong while managing the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $677,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080586-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991329 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease who are experiencing physical function decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how early Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects physical function and leads to muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, before cognitive symptoms appear. It explores the connection between brain function and muscle health, focusing on specific neurons that may regulate both cognitive and motor functions. By studying these mechanisms, the research aims to identify potential interventions that could help maintain muscle mass and improve overall health in AD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing muscle loss and improving physical function in patients with early Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between muscle health and cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Delbono, Osvaldo — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Delbono, Osvaldo
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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.