How brain sugar storage affects Alzheimer's and other brain disorders
Brain Glycogen-Metabolism,Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Potential
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-11336356
Researchers are looking at whether abnormal brain glycogen and its clumps drive decline in Alzheimer's and related disorders and whether removing them could help people with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11336356 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This program studies how the brain uses glucose and stores it as glycogen, and how abnormal glycogen forms called polyglucosan bodies (PGBs) damage brain cells. Investigators use laboratory models of Lafora disease and Alzheimer's-related samples, new molecular tools, and therapeutic approaches designed to reduce or clear PGBs. The team aims to define the cellular mechanisms by which PGBs cause seizures, ataxia, and memory loss and to develop ways to stop or reverse those processes. While most work is lab-based now, the findings could guide future patient trials or sample-based studies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, suspected glycogen-related brain disorders (like Lafora disease), or early unexplained cognitive decline would be the most likely candidates for related future trials or sample-donation efforts.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or glycogen-related brain conditions, or those with very advanced, irreversible brain damage, are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic-lab focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that clear harmful glycogen clumps and slow neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's and related glycogen-storage brain diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies in Lafora disease models have shown that reducing PGBs can prevent or lessen symptoms, so the approach has promising preclinical support but translating it to Alzheimer's is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA — GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GENTRY, MATTHEW S. — UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- Study coordinator: GENTRY, MATTHEW S.
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease