Gut microbiome and brain health in Puerto Ricans with Alzheimer’s risk
Official title: Microbiome Multi-Omics and Cognitive Decline in Latinos
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-11463268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re studying how the gut microbiome may influence cognitive aging and Alzheimer’s risk in Puerto Ricans aged 21 and older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| 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, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $627,635 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG075922-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 and older, particularly US-based Puerto Ricans who may be at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to or participation in the BPRHS cohort or without measurable gut microbiome or cognitive data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will explore how gut bacteria and their multi-omics signals relate to cognitive decline using the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study cohort. By combining microbiome data with brain imaging and cognitive assessments, researchers aim to identify patterns that link gut health to memory and thinking changes in a minority population. The study plans to map these relationships over time to better understand why Puerto Ricans have higher Alzheimer’s risk and how this risk might be mitigated. If successful, findings could guide future prevention strategies and personalized interventions that consider gut health and cultural context.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of why a high-risk group experiences cognitive decline could lead to targeted prevention and treatment approaches.
How similar studies have gone: This is among the largest studies in a minority population investigating gut microbiome in relation to cognition, building on prior smaller studies.
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.