How β-hydroxybutyrate affects Alzheimer's disease
Official title: ß-hydroxybutyrate inhibition of pathology in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10893476 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), which comes from fat metabolism, might help improve thinking and memory in people with Alzheimer's disease by changing how the brain works and reducing inflammation, and it will also explore how gut bacteria might play a role in this process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $752,364 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083883-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893476 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a metabolite produced during fat metabolism, on Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology. The study aims to understand how BHB can improve cognitive function in individuals with AD by altering brain metabolism and inhibiting inflammatory processes. Researchers will explore the relationship between gut microbiota and BHB levels, using animal models to assess the impact of BHB on AD-related brain changes. The ultimate goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance cognitive health in older adults with Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with ketogenic diets and BHB supplementation in improving cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients, indicating a potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ulland, Tyler Kent — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Ulland, Tyler Kent
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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.