Investigating the link between gut health and Alzheimer's disease using advanced MRI techniques
Official title: Gut-brain axis in Alzheimer's disease: translational 7T MRI markers and underlying mechanisms
Funded at University of Missouri-Columbia · NIH-10924050 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Missouri-Columbia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $797,809 |
| NIH project number | 5R56AG079586-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10924050 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those at high risk for developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Missouri-Columbia
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Ai-Ling — University of Missouri-Columbia
- Study coordinator: Lin, Ai-Ling
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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.