Gut viruses, diet, and Alzheimer’s risk in Latino adults
Official title: Gut Virome and AD/ADRD in Latinos
Funded at University of Massachusetts Lowell · NIH-11454484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will explore whether gut viruses are linked to Alzheimer's-related outcomes in Latino adults and how diet might influence that link.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Lowell NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lowell, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $444,566 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091476-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older from the Latino community, particularly Puerto Ricans in the Boston area, with available cognitive data and gut virome profiles.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without access to the study’s data or those outside the target population may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the gut virome may relate to memory changes and dementia risk in Puerto Rican adults living in the Boston area. It uses existing data from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study, including metagenomic profiles of gut viruses, cognitive tests, and detailed diet and lifestyle information collected over time. Researchers will analyze how gut viruses interact with diet to affect Alzheimer’s risk factors and cognitive outcomes. The study focuses on a specific population to understand whether these viral factors contribute to dementia risk for Latinos. Results could point to new ways to reduce risk through diet and gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform personalized prevention strategies for ADRD that consider gut health and diet among Latinos.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests the gut microbiome can influence brain health, but direct links between the gut virome and ADRD risk are still emerging.
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
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.