Exploring how gut bacteria affect brain health in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Understanding the Microbiome-gut-brain axisn Alzheimer disease and its Role in Cognitive Decline
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10875702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect memory and thinking skills in older adults with Alzheimer's, and it's inviting seniors from nursing homes and community centers to help by sharing stool samples so researchers can learn more about this connection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 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, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $728,896 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG067483-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10875702 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include elderly individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurodegenerative cognitive impairments or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how changes in gut bacteria may influence cognitive decline. By enrolling elderly participants from nursing homes and community centers, the study aims to analyze the composition of gut bacteria and their metabolic products. Researchers will collect stool samples to assess inflammation levels and their relationship to cognitive health. The goal is to better understand how gut health impacts brain function in Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease through microbiome modulation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the microbiome's role in 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: Haran, John Patrick — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Haran, John Patrick
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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.