AI-powered metabolic clock for aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: An AI-driven metabolic clock for healthy aging and AD/ADRD
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11231178 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will study metabolic signals in blood or other biofluids to understand how aging and Alzheimer’s disease begin and progress, using advanced AI to find patterns that might predict dementia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $630,031 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG091506-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11231178 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for or diagnosed with AD, or who contribute biospecimens for metabolomic analysis, may benefit from future risk assessment tools emerging from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without an interest in contributing biospecimens or who do not fit the study cohorts may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses untargeted metabolomics in large human cohorts to map how metabolic changes accompany aging and the transition to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By applying AI-driven analysis, the study aims to identify metabolic signatures that distinguish healthy aging from preclinical AD and from dementia. The work involves analyzing existing biospecimens and data from participants to uncover patterns that could someday guide early interventions or prevention strategies. Results could inform new biomarkers and pave the way for personalized risk assessment and monitoring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of AD risk and new metabolic targets for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior metabolomics studies have shown metabolic signals associated with aging and dementia, but this project aims to broaden and deepen those connections with AI.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aghaeepour, Nima — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Aghaeepour, Nima
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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.