How aging and exercise affect waste clearance in the brain of healthy and diabetic individuals

Aging and Exercise Effects of Dural Lymphatic Clearance in Healthy Human and Diabetic Brains

NIH-funded research University of California, San Diego · NIH-11212182

This study is looking at how aging and exercise affect the brain's ability to clear out waste, especially in people over 65 and those with diabetes, to find ways to keep our brains healthy as we get older.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-11212182 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between aging, exercise, and the clearance of waste products from the brain, particularly in individuals with diabetes and those over 65 years old. It explores how the glymphatic system, which helps remove toxins from the brain, may function differently in these populations. The study will involve monitoring brain waste clearance during various physical activities and sleep patterns to understand how these factors influence cognitive health. By examining both healthy individuals and those with diabetes, the research aims to uncover potential interventions to improve brain health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those with type-2 diabetes or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without diabetes or cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease in older adults and those with diabetes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the role of exercise in enhancing glymphatic clearance in animal models, suggesting potential applicability to human populations.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.