How Gut Bacteria and Diet Affect Brain Health
MAEVE: Microbiota mediated flavonoid metabolites for cognitive health
This project explores how certain foods and gut bacteria might protect the brain and improve memory in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134514 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies are home to trillions of tiny bacteria in the gut, which play a big role in how we digest food and absorb nutrients. This project looks at how a diet rich in plant compounds, like those found in a Mediterranean diet, interacts with these gut bacteria. We believe that specific compounds produced by gut bacteria from these foods could help keep the brain healthy and slow down memory decline. The goal is to understand this connection better, especially in older adults who might be at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults who are at an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients already experiencing advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease may not directly benefit from this preventative approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new dietary strategies or interventions to prevent or delay cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observations suggest that Mediterranean diets and specific gut-derived compounds are linked to better cognitive function in older adults.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Church, Arpana — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Church, Arpana
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.