NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Canagliflozin to protect the aging brain and improve cognition in Alzheimer’s disease

Official title: Canagliflozin as a Neuroprotective Agent to Improve Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Function during Aging

Funded at Wayne State University · NIH-11463471 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aging is linked to Alzheimer’s and this project tests whether the diabetes drug canagliflozin can help brain function and reduce inflammation in older adults with or at risk for Alzheimer’s/dementia.

More Aging research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWayne State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Detroit, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$818,445
NIH project number4RF1AG078170-02
Project IDNIH-11463471 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Older adults (typically 21+ years) with aging-related cognitive concerns or Alzheimer’s disease/dementia, particularly those with or at risk for diabetes.

Less likely to help

Some individuals may not experience cognitive or inflammatory improvements from Cana due to variability in aging and disease progression.

What this research studies

This project explores whether an FDA-approved diabetes medication, canagliflozin, can slow aging-related brain changes and improve cognitive functions in older adults with Alzheimer’s-related conditions. Researchers are studying its effects on brain inflammation, insulin signaling in the brain, and behavior in aging models and human contexts, with a focus on translating promising findings toward people. The work includes collaboration with the Intervention Testing Program to examine neuroprotective properties and possible cognitive benefits in aging and Alzheimer’s disease. The goal is to identify whether Cana could become a safe, repurposed option to support brain health in patients as they age.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new, readily available treatment to support brain health and cognition in older adults at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease.

How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in mice showed neuroprotective effects and reduced brain inflammation with Cana; human data are needed for confirmation.

Where this research is happening

  • Wayne State University
    Detroit, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sadagurski, Marianna — Wayne State University
  • Study coordinator: Sadagurski, Marianna

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.