Finding safe treatments to reduce Alzheimer's risk after a mild brain injury
Translational Approaches to Mitigate Enhanced Alzheimer’s Disease Risk Following a Mild TBI
This study is looking at safe ways to help older adults who have had a mild brain injury, like a concussion, to lower their chances of developing Alzheimer's disease, by exploring a special treatment that may improve brain health after the injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11075788 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how to safely treat older adults who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on understanding the effects of TBI on brain health and identifying safe therapies that can be administered shortly after the injury. Researchers are particularly interested in the role of Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) in improving energy metabolism and reducing neuroinflammation, which may help mitigate the long-term effects of TBI. By targeting these mechanisms, the research aims to provide effective interventions for those at risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have recently suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a mild TBI or are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older adults following a mild TBI.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using BHB as a treatment after TBI is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in targeting neuroinflammation and energy metabolism in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bachstetter, Adam D — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Bachstetter, Adam D
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 below.