Investigating how a high fat diet affects Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women and if nilotinib can help.

Sex-based differences of a high fat diet in Alzheimer's disease (AD): Can nilotinib reverse bioenergetic and neuropathological deficits?

NIH-funded research Nova Southeastern University · NIH-11061864

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNova Southeastern University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11061864 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with metabolic disorders such as obesity or diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have metabolic disorders or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Fort Lauderdale-Davie, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes MellitusAlzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.