Branched-chain amino acids and how they affect aging and Alzheimer’s risk
The regulation of health and longevity by branched-chain amino acids
This project explores whether cutting three common dietary amino acids can improve aging-related health and factors linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11456924 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying the effects of dietary protein, specifically the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine, on lifespan, frailty, metabolism, and Alzheimer's-related biology. Work in mice has shown that reducing these amino acids can extend lifespan and improve frailty in a sex- and strain-specific way, and the team is examining the underlying molecular and hormonal pathways that drive those effects. Although much of the work uses mouse models, findings will be used to point toward dietary or metabolic strategies that could be tested in people at risk for age-related diseases including Alzheimer’s. The project focuses on which amino acids matter most and whether benefits differ by sex and genetic background to guide more targeted approaches to preserve brain and body health with age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for any future trials would be older adults concerned about aging or at risk for Alzheimer’s, especially those willing to try controlled dietary changes.
Not a fit: People with advanced Alzheimer's disease, those unable to change their diet, or whose condition is driven by non-metabolic causes may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to simple dietary changes or metabolic targets that lower the risk of age-related decline and Alzheimer's-related problems.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown that calorie or protein restriction and lowering branched-chain amino acids can extend lifespan and improve metabolic health, but translation to humans remains limited and unproven.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamming, Dudley William — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lamming, Dudley William
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 below.