How gut bacteria affect memory and thinking as we age
Official title: Microbiome Contributions to Age-Associated Cognitive Decline
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11089445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the tiny germs in our gut might affect our brain health as we get older, especially in relation to memory and thinking skills, and it's aimed at helping older adults who want to keep their minds sharp.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,512 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG081097-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing early signs of cognitive decline or those at risk for age-associated dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive decline due to non-age-related factors, such as traumatic brain injury or acute neurological conditions, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the microbiome, the community of microorganisms in our gut, in cognitive decline associated with aging. It explores how changes in gut bacteria may influence brain health and contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By examining the connections between gut health and cognitive function, the study aims to identify potential interventions that could improve memory and thinking skills in older adults. The research employs various methodologies, including microbiome analysis and animal models, to understand these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results linking gut health to brain function, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cox, Timothy — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Cox, Timothy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
-
Optimizing a closed-loop digital meditation to help cognitive aging and stress in older adults
A mobile, personalized meditation program is being tested to help older adults maintain thinking skills and lower stress.
-
Cash transfers in South Africa to reduce dementia risk in later life
This project tests whether government cash transfers in rural South Africa help protect people’s thinking and memory as they age.
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.