How type 2 diabetes affects brain health and dementia risk
Official title: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (T2DM-VCID)
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10854563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how not managing type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can affect brain health and memory in young adults aged 18 to 45, and it wants to find out if better diabetes management can help keep your mind sharp.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,380,018 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS136499-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10854563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults aged 18 to 45 who have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 45 or do not have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of poorly managed type 2 diabetes and prediabetes on cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in young adults aged 18 to 45. The study aims to understand how cumulative high blood sugar levels over time influence brain health and cognitive function. It will also explore the effects of diabetes management on cognitive outcomes, considering factors such as sex, race, and the duration of diabetes. By using advanced imaging techniques and analyzing blood sugar levels, the research seeks to identify mechanisms linking diabetes to cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention and management strategies for type 2 diabetes that may reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that managing blood sugar levels can positively impact cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levine, Deborah Allison — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Levine, Deborah Allison
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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.