How Alzheimer's disease affects gut health and movement
Official title: Altered ENS Neuroimmune Interactions Disrupt Gastrointestinal Motility in Alzheimers Disease
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-11090490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how problems in the gut, like constipation, might be linked to Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find out how changes in the gut can affect brain health in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $355,280 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG068394-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11090490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or significant gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between Alzheimer's disease and gastrointestinal disorders, such as constipation and fecal incontinence, which are common in both Alzheimer's patients and the elderly. It explores how amyloid-β plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer's, accumulate in the enteric nervous system, leading to inflammation and impaired gut function. By studying the interactions between the immune system and the gut, the research aims to understand the underlying mechanisms that disrupt gastrointestinal motility in Alzheimer's patients. The findings could provide insights into how gut health impacts cognitive function in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for gastrointestinal issues in Alzheimer's patients, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between gut health and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Becker, Laren — Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
- Study coordinator: Becker, Laren
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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.