Investigating the link between gut health and Alzheimer's disease using advanced MRI techniques

Gut-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease: translational 7T MRI markers and underlying mechanisms

NIH-funded research University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10924050

This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect the progression of Alzheimer's disease, and it's for people with Alzheimer's who want to understand how gut health could play a role in their brain health.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10924050 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how changes in gut microbiota may influence the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD) by examining brain imaging markers. It involves both human participants and preclinical animal models to understand the relationship between gut health and neurodegeneration. The study aims to identify potential interventions that could mitigate the effects of dysbiosis, which is an imbalance in gut bacteria, on cognitive decline in AD patients. By using advanced MRI technology, researchers will correlate gut health with brain changes associated with Alzheimer's.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at high risk for developing it.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease through gut health interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that gut microbiota can influence neurological conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease.

Where this research is happening

Columbia, 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 Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease biological marker
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.