Understanding the causes and effects of apathy in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders
Official title: Multidimensional Approaches to Understanding Consequences and Mechanisms of Apathy in Frontotemporal Degeneration
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10889229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how apathy, which is a lack of motivation and interest, affects daily activities in people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, and it aims to understand how different parts of the brain are involved in this feeling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $539,023 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076832-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10889229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those exhibiting symptoms of apathy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without any cognitive impairments or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates apathy, a common and debilitating symptom in Alzheimer's disease and related disorders, particularly in behavioral variant frontotemporal degeneration. It aims to understand how apathy affects goal-directed behavior, including planning and motivation, which are crucial for daily activities. By examining large-scale brain networks and their relationship to apathy, the study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to this condition. Patients may be assessed through various imaging techniques to identify how different brain regions are involved in these behavioral symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients experiencing apathy, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding behavioral symptoms in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Massimo, Lauren M — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Massimo, Lauren 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.