How gut bacteria affect brain health in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Understanding the regulation of the intestinal epithelium in Alzheimer’s disease by commensal bacteria and the role it plays in preventing neurocognitive decline
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-10990985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease in older adults, hoping to find ways to improve brain health by understanding the connection between gut health and cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,260 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG079575-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut bacteria and the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older adults. By analyzing stool and blood samples from individuals with AD, the study aims to understand how changes in gut microbiota may influence inflammation and cognitive decline. Researchers will assess immune cell populations and markers of intestinal health to uncover potential mechanisms linking gut health to brain function. The goal is to identify how these microbial communities can be leveraged to improve outcomes for patients with AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients through gut health management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis, suggesting that similar approaches may yield beneficial insights for Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Loew, Ethan Bailey — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Loew, Ethan Bailey
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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.