Gut microbes and Alzheimer's: the methionine connection
Understanding the Microbiome-gut-brain axis in Alzheimers disease and its Role
This project looks at whether changes in gut bacteria and their methionine-related products are linked to memory decline in older adults with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301211 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be followed every three months with brief memory tests, medical check-ins, stool samples to study gut bacteria, and blood draws to measure immune markers. Researchers compare people with mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's, and healthy controls to spot patterns that come before decline. The team focuses on methionine and related molecules made by gut microbes that might drive age-like changes in the immune system and harm the brain. They will expand the group and combine the clinical follow-up with laboratory analyses to see whether microbial methionine pathways can cause immune problems linked to cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's, as well as healthy older adults willing to provide stool and blood samples and attend regular visits.
Not a fit: People with advanced Alzheimer's or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct medical benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If confirmed, this could point to new prevention or treatment options that target gut bacteria or their methionine metabolism to slow or prevent cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has connected the gut microbiome to brain health, but the specific idea that microbe-made methionine drives immune aging in Alzheimer's is a new and largely untested hypothesis.
Where this research is happening
Worcester, United States
- Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester — Worcester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Haran, John Patrick — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Haran, John Patrick
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.