Understanding synapse damage in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Neuropathology of synapses in AD and ADRD
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10590045 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how connections between brain cells get damaged in Alzheimer's and similar conditions, using special technology to understand the details better, which could help find new ways to improve treatment and care for people with these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,155,924 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG077443-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10590045 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage cognitive impairment or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how synapses, the connections between neurons, are damaged in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By using advanced technology called Synaptometry by Time-of-Flight (SynTOF), the team aims to analyze millions of synaptic events at a molecular level. They will also employ machine learning techniques to identify specific cellular pathways that may make certain neurons more vulnerable to damage. This approach seeks to clarify the mechanisms behind cognitive impairment in aging and Alzheimer's, potentially leading to better understanding and treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights that improve treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced molecular techniques and machine learning to understand neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Montine, Thomas J — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Montine, Thomas J
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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.