How dietary fatty acids affect brain function in older adults
Official title: Fatty Acid Modulation of Brain Function in Older Adults
Funded at University of Vermont & St Agric College · NIH-10991729 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of fats in your diet might affect brain function in older adults, specifically those aged 65-75, to see if changing what you eat can help improve thinking skills for people with mild cognitive issues or Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Vermont & St Agric College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Burlington, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $581,898 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085286-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991729 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cognitively normal older adults aged 65-75, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those under 65 years of age may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of dietary fatty acids on brain function in older adults, particularly focusing on how changes in the intake of palmitic and oleic acids can influence cognitive performance. The study will involve cognitively normal older adults aged 65-75, who will follow two different experimental diets after a low-fat control diet. By examining the acute effects of these dietary changes, the research aims to identify potential strategies to improve cognition in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive each diet for one week, allowing for a direct comparison of their effects on brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that enhance cognitive function in older adults, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in improving cognition through dietary changes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Vermont & St Agric College
Burlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dumas, Julie a — University of Vermont & St Agric College
- Study coordinator: Dumas, Julie a
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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.