Exploring how a specific gene and ketogenic diets affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Investigating the combined role of APOE4 and ketogenic diets in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11167798 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a high-fat, low-carb ketogenic diet affects brain health and thinking skills in people with the APOE4 gene, which is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's disease, to see if this diet helps or might not be good for them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $695,802 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG089533-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167798 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who carry the APOE4 gene variant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without the APOE4 gene variant or those under 65 years of age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interaction between the APOE4 gene, a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, and ketogenic diets, which are high in fats and low in carbohydrates. The study aims to understand how these diets impact brain health and cognitive function in individuals with the APOE4 gene. By examining cellular and molecular responses in brain cells, the research seeks to uncover why ketogenic diets may not benefit those with this genetic predisposition. Patients may be involved in dietary interventions to assess the effects on their cognitive abilities and overall brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to tailored dietary recommendations for individuals at risk of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving their cognitive health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that ketogenic diets can improve cognition in many individuals, but this specific interaction with the APOE4 gene is less understood and represents a novel area of investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanchard, Joel William — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Blanchard, Joel William
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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.