How Gut Health Influences Brain Aging and Alzheimer's Disease
Role of Intestinal Homeostasis in Organismal Aging
This project explores how changes in gut health as we age might contribute to Alzheimer's disease and looks for new ways to keep our brains healthy longer.
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-11080371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As we get older, our bodies change, and these changes can increase the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease. This work focuses on the idea that a healthy gut lining is important for overall health and may play a role in how our brains age. Researchers are looking into how problems with the gut barrier might be connected to brain aging and the development of Alzheimer's. They are also examining how certain structures within brain cells, called actin filaments, change with age and in Alzheimer's, and if keeping these structures healthy could protect the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work is for anyone interested in the future prevention or treatment of Alzheimer's disease, particularly those concerned with aging and brain health.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science research at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to slow down brain aging, extend a healthy lifespan, and delay the start or progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work in animal models has shown that improving gut health can extend a healthy lifespan, and preliminary findings suggest a link between gut issues, brain aging, and Alzheimer's-related changes.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Walker, David W — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Walker, David W
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.