Exploring the links between brain iron levels and cognitive health in Alzheimer's disease

Identifying Associations between Brain Iron, Neurocognitive Networks and Protective Factors

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-11058540

This study is looking at how iron buildup in the brain might affect thinking and memory in older adults with Alzheimer's disease, and it will also see if eating a diet rich in antioxidants can help slow down this iron buildup and its impact on brain health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11058540 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how brain iron accumulation affects cognitive networks and contributes to Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to identify the relationship between brain iron levels and cognitive decline in older adults. It will also explore whether an antioxidant-rich diet can slow down brain iron accumulation and its associated cognitive effects. The research involves assessing 140 healthy older adults through various imaging and biomarker analyses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are healthy older adults who are concerned about cognitive health or have a family history of Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or significant cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and strategies to mitigate cognitive decline.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of brain iron in cognitive decline, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.