Understanding the brain's role in apathy for Alzheimer's and related dementias
Official title: Investigating neuroanatomical underpinnings of apathy in ADRD through neuroimaging and electrical manipulation
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10911804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in certain parts of the brain might cause feelings of apathy in people with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, and it aims to help us understand what affects their motivation and ability to pursue goals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $742,127 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH127200-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10911804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, or Parkinson's disease who exhibit symptoms of apathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without symptoms of apathy or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in specific brain areas contribute to apathy in patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques and electrical stimulation, the study aims to uncover the connections between brain degeneration and the development of apathetic symptoms. Participants may include individuals with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease who experience apathy, and the research seeks to identify cognitive processes that influence their motivation and goal-directed behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted treatments that improve motivation and quality of life for patients suffering from apathy in Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the neuroanatomical basis of apathy, but this approach of combining neuroimaging with electrical manipulation is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vanegas-Arroyave, Nora — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Vanegas-Arroyave, Nora
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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.