Exploring the link between gut bacteria and cognitive decline in Latinos
Official title: Microbiome Multi-Omics and Cognitive Decline in Latinos
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-10661289 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might affect brain health, especially for Puerto Ricans who are more likely to experience Alzheimer's disease, to help us understand how to keep our minds sharp as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,020,674 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG075922-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10661289 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Puerto Rican adults aged 21 and older who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of Latino descent or those without risk factors for cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the gut microbiome may influence cognitive decline, particularly in Puerto Ricans who are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease. By studying a large group of participants from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study, the project aims to understand the relationship between gut health and brain function. The research will utilize advanced multi-omics techniques to analyze biological data and cognitive assessments over time, providing insights into how gut bacteria may affect cognitive health. This study is significant as it focuses on a minority population that has been underrepresented in similar research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in Latino populations.
How similar studies have gone: While research on the gut-brain connection is emerging, this specific focus on Puerto Ricans and cognitive decline is novel and has not been extensively studied before.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Palacios, Natalia — University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Study coordinator: Palacios, Natalia
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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.