How alcohol affects metabolism and brain health related to Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Alcohol-Induced Metabolome-Epigenome Dysfunction and Alzheimer’s Disease Risk
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11032121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how drinking alcohol over a long time might affect the brain and could be connected to the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, using animals to understand the changes in brain cells that happen because of alcohol, with the hope of finding new ways to help people at risk for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $151,869 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AA032034-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11032121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of chronic alcohol consumption who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume alcohol or have no risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of chronic alcohol consumption on the brain's metabolism and its potential link to the early progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). By using an animal model, the study aims to explore how alcohol alters metabolic functions and tau pathology, which are critical in AD development. The researchers will employ advanced techniques to analyze the epigenetic and transcriptomic changes in brain cells caused by alcohol exposure. Ultimately, the goal is to identify mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic interventions for individuals at risk of developing AD due to alcohol use.
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 individuals with a history of alcohol consumption.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between alcohol consumption and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease risk.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balasubramanian, Nagalakshmi — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Balasubramanian, Nagalakshmi
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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.