Gut bacteria metabolites linked to memory and thinking in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia
Official title: Gut microbiome-related metabolites and cognitive impairment
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11399345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at a major hospital is exploring how tiny molecules produced by gut bacteria relate to brain changes and memory problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease and vascular-related dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,324,999 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG089361-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older who have or are at risk for Alzheimer’s disease dementia or vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without these conditions or without access to the study cohorts may not benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
Researchers will use data from large, diverse groups to see if gut-derived metabolites are connected to brain imaging markers and cognitive decline in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and VCID. They will analyze blood and stool samples alongside brain MRI results from REGARDS and CARDIA cohorts to find patterns. The goal is to understand how the gut microbiome might contribute to disease pathways and disparities in risk across racial groups. This work could point to new biomarkers and potential avenues for intervention that are relevant to patients and families.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new biomarkers and ideas for interventions that target gut bacteria to help prevent or slow cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests gut metabolites are linked to vascular and neurodegenerative processes, with potential implications for racial disparities in disease risk.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kimberly, William Taylor — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kimberly, William Taylor
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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.