Improving blood sugar control to help prevent Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Feasibility of Improving Glycemia to Prevent Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11111336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using heat therapy to improve blood sugar levels can help protect older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and it will involve people aged 65 and up to see how this treatment might benefit their brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $463,492 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081304-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11111336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cognitively healthy adults aged 65 and older who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease due to impaired glycemic control.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease or do not have issues with blood sugar regulation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how improving blood sugar levels through heat therapy may help prevent Alzheimer's disease in older adults. The study will focus on individuals aged 65 and older who are at risk for Alzheimer's, examining how heat therapy can enhance glucose metabolism in both the blood and brain. By activating cellular mechanisms that improve energy function and reduce inflammation, the research aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of heat therapy for brain health. Participants will undergo assessments to track changes in their glucose metabolism and related biological processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that help prevent Alzheimer's disease in at-risk older adults.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using heat therapy for Alzheimer's prevention is novel, there is existing research indicating that heat therapy can improve metabolic functions and reduce inflammation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morris, Jill Kathleen — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Morris, Jill Kathleen
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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.