Understanding the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and TDP-43 protein inclusions on memory and cognition in older adults
Official title: Vulnerability Profiles of Comorbid Alzheimer and TDP-43 Proteinopathies in Amnestic Dementia
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10901010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Alzheimer’s disease and a related protein issue affect thinking and memory in older adults, using brain samples from people who were tested for their mental abilities during their lives, to help us understand how these conditions impact brain health and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $603,031 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG075600-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with amnestic dementia and confirmed cases of Alzheimer’s disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive impairment or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer’s or TDP-43 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the combined effects of Alzheimer’s disease and TDP-43 proteinopathies on cognitive function in older adults. By analyzing brain specimens from individuals who underwent thorough neuropsychological testing during their lives, the study aims to identify specific clinical and biological markers associated with these conditions. The focus is on understanding how these overlapping pathologies impact memory, behavior, and overall brain health, particularly in key brain regions involved in cognition. This research utilizes extensive longitudinal data and advanced quantification techniques to provide insights into the mechanisms underlying these diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for older adults suffering from cognitive decline due to Alzheimer’s disease and TDP-43 proteinopathies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the interplay between Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gefen, Tamar D — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Gefen, Tamar D
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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.