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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wayne State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Detroit, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $818,445 |
| NIH project number | 4RF1AG078170-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.