Investigating how insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome affect Alzheimer's disease in a primate model
Official title: Neuropathology and inflammation in a nonhuman primate model of insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11030245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with insulin and metabolism might affect brain health and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease, using monkeys on a high-sugar diet to see what happens over a year.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,148,213 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085572-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are experiencing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or type-2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance, or those under 21 years old, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease using a nonhuman primate model. The study involves feeding the primates a high sugar diet to induce metabolic dysfunction and then examining the resulting changes in brain health and behavior over a year. Researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques and molecular analyses to understand how these metabolic conditions contribute to dementia and vice versa. The goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms linking these health issues to better inform future treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights and strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in individuals with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between metabolic disorders and cognitive decline, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Havel, Peter J — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Havel, Peter J
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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.