Understanding Stress, Hormones, and Brain Aging
Chronic Stress, Glucocorticoids, and Progesterone in Brain Aging
This project explores how ongoing stress and certain hormones might speed up or slow down brain aging, especially in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088808 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that long-term stress can make the brain age faster, partly because of stress hormones called glucocorticoids. This project looks at how a specific protein, Sgk1, might accelerate these effects, while the hormone progesterone might protect the brain. We want to understand how aging changes the brain's response to stress and how these hormones play a role. Our goal is to uncover the exact ways stress contributes to brain aging and how progesterone might offer protection, particularly as people get older.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Individuals concerned about brain aging, especially those experiencing chronic stress or hormonal changes, may find this research relevant to future treatments.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical interventions or direct treatment options will not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to protect the brain from the effects of chronic stress and potentially slow down brain aging.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between stress and brain aging is known, this specific focus on Sgk1 and progesterone as key mediators represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blalock, Eric — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Blalock, Eric
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.