How diabetes affects blood flow and dementia risk in older adults
Official title: Intracranial arterial compliance, cerebral blood flow, and dementia risk in older adults with type 2 diabetes
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11040402 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how type 2 diabetes might affect the brain and increase the risk of dementia, especially Alzheimer's, in older adults, and it hopes to find early signs of memory problems so that people can get help before serious issues develop.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2020 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $50,054 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG063782-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11040402 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults with type 2 diabetes who are concerned about their cognitive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without type 2 diabetes or those who are not in the older adult age group may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between type 2 diabetes and the risk of developing dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, in older adults. It focuses on understanding how diabetes impacts cerebral blood flow and arterial compliance, which are crucial for brain health. By using advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to identify early signs of cognitive decline before significant brain damage occurs. This could lead to timely interventions that may help preserve cognitive function in at-risk individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification and intervention strategies for older adults at risk of dementia due to diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using advanced MRI techniques to assess brain health in similar populations, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bangen, Katherine — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Bangen, Katherine
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating the impact of dietary compounds on cognitive decline in older adults with diabetes
This study is looking at how certain foods and substances in the blood, called Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), might affect memory and thinking skills in older adults with type 2 diabetes, to see if reducing these levels could help prevent dementia.
-
How type 2 diabetes affects brain health and dementia risk
This study is looking at how not managing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can affect brain health and memory in young adults aged 18 to 45, and it wants to find out if better diabetes management can help keep your mind sharp.
-
How diabetes affects blood flow in the brain and dementia risk in older adults
This study is looking at how type 2 diabetes might affect the brain and increase the risk of dementia, especially Alzheimer's, in older adults, and it aims to find early signs of memory problems so that people can get help sooner.
-
Subtyping Core for Research on the Causes of Type 2 Diabetes (SCORE-T2D)
A new U01 grant from a university research team aims to understand why Type 2 diabetes differs so much between people and how to tailor prevention and treatment.
-
Michigan Diabetes Project: A Peer-Led Self-Management Program for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
A peer-led self-management program for adults with type 2 diabetes is being tested to see if it improves blood sugar control and daily diabetes care.
-
Alzheimer’s and dementia risk in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
This grant aims to understand why some older adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes develop memory problems or dementia.
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.