Virus-OR Olfactory System Links to Alzheimer’s Disease Progression
Official title: Virus and olfactory system interactions accelerate Alzheimer's disease pathology
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11520853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how common viruses in the nose might speed up Alzheimer’s disease and what that could mean for prevention or treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,037,800 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG079193-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11520853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 65 years and older or individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s disease who have or are at risk for olfactory dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
People without Alzheimer’s pathology or olfactory impairment may not experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how alphaherpesviruses in the nasal cavity may accelerate Alzheimer’s pathology by affecting the olfactory system and brain networks. The project uses human olfactory tissue cultures, serum testing, and mouse models to examine viral activity, amyloid buildup, inflammation, and neuron changes related to smell. By linking nasal infection to brain changes, the study aims to identify potential targets to slow disease progression and preserve memory and daily function. The work builds on preliminary findings showing viral signatures and olfactory disruption in early Alzheimer’s. Over the course of the project, researchers plan to integrate molecular, imaging, and behavioral data to map how nasal viruses influence brain aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies to prevent or slow Alzheimer's by targeting nasal viral activity or olfactory pathways.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest links between viral activity, olfactory changes, and early Alzheimer’s features, indicating potential but not yet proven approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Restrepo, Diego — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Restrepo, Diego
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.