How obesity affects the liver's role in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The impact of obesity-induced hepatic amyloid beta dysregulation on Alzheimer’s disease pathology
Funded at Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis · NIH-10790593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight might affect brain health and contribute to Alzheimer's disease by examining changes in the liver, and it's designed for anyone interested in understanding the links between obesity and brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Claremont, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $405,849 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085055-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are obese or overweight and may be at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not overweight or do not have a risk of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between obesity and Alzheimer's disease by exploring how obesity-induced changes in the liver can influence brain health. It focuses on the liver-brain axis, particularly how fatty liver conditions may alter the levels of amyloid-beta, a protein linked to Alzheimer's pathology. The study will utilize animal models to examine the effects of a high-fat and high-sugar diet on liver function and its subsequent impact on brain amyloid levels. By understanding these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential pathways that could lead to new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in individuals affected by obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between obesity and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis
Claremont, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Derick S — Keck Graduate Inst of Applied Life Scis
- Study coordinator: Han, Derick S
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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.