Exploring how the gut microbiome may help older adults recover from brain injuries
Official title: The Young Gut Microbiome: A Fountain of Youth for Brain Injury in the Aged?
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11031784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might help older adults recover better from brain injuries by seeing how certain immune cells react when the gut bacteria are changed.
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 | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $249,654 |
| NIH project number | 3RF1NS135652-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031784 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 recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults. It focuses on understanding how immune cells, particularly microglia and monocytes, respond to brain injuries and how these responses may be influenced by the gut microbiome. By using a specific inhibitor to deplete microglia in aged mice, the study aims to observe changes in immune cell behavior and their impact on recovery outcomes after TBI. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for improving recovery in older patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance recovery from brain injuries in older adults, potentially reducing long-term cognitive and psychiatric complications.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the gut microbiome in various health conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
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.