Diet and its effects on Alzheimer's disease in rabbits

Dietary manipulations in rabbits induce the cellular, neuropathological, and cognitive hallmarks of late-onset Alzheimer's Disease

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY · NIH-10870004

This study is looking at how different diets, like high-fat or high-sugar foods, can cause memory and learning problems in rabbits that are similar to those seen in late-onset Alzheimer's Disease, helping us understand how what we eat might affect brain health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10870004 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how different dietary patterns can induce symptoms similar to late-onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD) in rabbits. By feeding rabbits various diets, including low-dose cholesterol, high-fat, and high-sugar diets, the study aims to replicate the cellular and cognitive changes associated with LOAD. The researchers will assess the impact of these diets on learning and memory through established cognitive tasks, providing insights into how diet influences cognitive decline. This approach seeks to create a more relevant animal model for understanding Alzheimer's disease and its risk factors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are at risk for or experiencing cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have any cognitive impairment may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding of dietary influences on Alzheimer's disease, potentially guiding prevention and treatment strategies for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on dietary impacts on cognitive function, this specific approach using rabbits as a model for Alzheimer's is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

MORGANTOWN, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Adult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.