Investigating how lactate affects Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Lactate as a regulator of Alzheimer's pathology
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11135173 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called lactate affects brain cells in people with Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find ways to slow down the disease by understanding how the brain uses sugar differently when it’s affected by a harmful protein.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $759,352 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG093847-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11135173 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 showing early signs of cognitive decline or with a family history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore the role of lactate in the metabolism of microglial cells and its impact on Alzheimer's disease progression. By examining how changes in glucose metabolism occur in the brain, particularly in response to amyloid-beta, the study seeks to identify whether targeting these metabolic shifts can reduce Alzheimer's-related pathology. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques to assess brain glucose uptake and lactate levels, providing insights into the early metabolic changes associated with Alzheimer's. This could help in understanding the protective or damaging effects of these metabolic adaptations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that metabolic alterations play a significant role in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Macauley-Rambach, Shannon L — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Macauley-Rambach, Shannon L
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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.