Exploring how diet and gut bacteria affect Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Dissecting connections between diet, the microbiome and Alzheimers disease
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10925366 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating a lot of sugar might change the bacteria in our gut and how that could affect Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding helpful diet tips for people dealing with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $209,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG084042-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925366 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or currently living with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with high sugar diets.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with Alzheimer's disease who have no dietary concerns or those who do not consume sugar may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between diet, particularly high sugar intake, and the gut microbiome in the context of Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how a sugar-rich diet alters gut bacteria and contributes to the development and progression of Alzheimer's. Using a model organism, C. elegans, and its interaction with E. coli, the study will explore the mechanisms by which dietary changes can impact brain health and disease severity. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to dietary recommendations for Alzheimer's prevention or management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new dietary guidelines that help reduce the risk or severity of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between diet, the microbiome, and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tissenbaum, Heidi a — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Tissenbaum, Heidi a
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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.