How the brain's fuel signals relate to Alzheimer's and aging
Official title: Mechanisms of the signaling metabolite β-hydroxybutyrate in Alzheimer's disease and the aging brain
Funded at Buck Institute for Research on Aging · NIH-11449229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher is studying how ketone signals like beta-hydroxybutyrate affect aging brains and Alzheimer’s disease, with the goal of finding new ways to support brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Buck Institute for Research on Aging NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Novato, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $806,483 |
| NIH project number | 2R01AG067333-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older who have or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or aging-related brain changes, potentially including individuals contributing human samples or data.
✕Less likely to help
As this is a mechanistic study, some participants may not directly benefit if they do not have the condition or meet the specific study criteria.
What this research studies
This project looks at how aging and Alzheimer’s disease change brain metabolism and signaling, focusing on a ketone body called beta-hydroxybutyrate. The study uses human-relevant aging and Alzheimer’s models to understand how metabolic signals influence brain cells, inflammation, and gene expression. By exploring how ketone signals interact with brain pathology, the work aims to identify potential targets for therapies that support aging brains and delay dementia progression. The research blends animal and cellular models with human biology to map how metabolic states affect brain aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal metabolic targets that help slow brain aging and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests metabolic signals like ketone bodies influence aging and brain health, supporting potential translational relevance.
Where this research is happening
-
Buck Institute for Research on Aging
Novato, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Newman, John C — Buck Institute for Research on Aging
- Study coordinator: Newman, John C
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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.