Investigating how a high fat diet affects Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women and if nilotinib can help.
Official title: Sex-based differences of a high fat diet in Alzheimer's disease (AD): Can nilotinib reverse bioenergetic and neuropathological deficits?
Funded at Nova Southeastern University · NIH-11061864 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a high-fat diet affects Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women, and it will test if a leukemia drug called nilotinib can help improve brain health and memory in mice that are on this diet.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nova Southeastern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $154,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16NS134540-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061864 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with metabolic disorders such as obesity or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of a high fat diet on Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes may influence the disease differently in men and women. The study uses a mouse model to assess bioenergetic, cognitive, and neuropathological outcomes associated with Alzheimer's. Researchers will evaluate whether nilotinib, a drug originally developed for leukemia, can reverse the negative effects of a high fat diet on these outcomes. By understanding these differences, the research aims to identify more effective treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for Alzheimer's disease that take into account sex-based differences.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using nilotinib for treating neurodegenerative diseases, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Nova Southeastern University
Fort Lauderdale-Davie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albensi, Benedict C — Nova Southeastern University
- Study coordinator: Albensi, Benedict 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.