Exploring the gut microbiome and blood markers in Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers
Official title: Gut microbiome and blood indices in patients with AD and their spousal caregivers
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10772082 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the health of the gut bacteria and certain blood markers might be connected to memory and thinking changes in people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, to help find clues that could indicate cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $201,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG080377-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10772082 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, their spousal caregivers, and age-matched controls without dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Alzheimer's disease or are not spousal caregivers of AD patients may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiome health and blood markers in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and their spousal caregivers. It aims to understand how short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and inflammatory markers in the blood may correlate with cognitive decline in these individuals. By comparing the gut microbiome and blood indices of AD patients, their caregivers, and age-matched controls, the study seeks to uncover potential biomarkers for cognitive impairment. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate their gut health and cognitive function over the course of the study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new biomarkers for early detection of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis and its implications for cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Finan, Patrick — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Finan, 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.