Exploring how the gut microbiome affects brain injury recovery in older adults
Official title: The Young Gut Microbiome: A Fountain of Youth for Brain Injury in the Aged?
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10806735 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect recovery from brain injuries in older adults, especially those 65 and up, to find new ways to help improve thinking and memory after such injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,216,356 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS135652-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10806735 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or have not suffered a traumatic brain injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the gut microbiome and brain injury recovery in older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older. It focuses on how changes in gut bacteria after a traumatic brain injury (TBI) may influence neuroinflammation and cognitive outcomes, potentially leading to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. The study employs advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the interactions between gut microbiota and brain cells. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies to improve recovery and cognitive function in older TBI patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that enhance recovery and cognitive function in older adults following traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis, indicating that this approach may yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwulst, Steven J — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Schwulst, Steven J
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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.