Metabolic syndrome and brain support cells: how it may lead to Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Metabolic syndrome impairs oligodendrocyte metabolic support of neurons leading to Alzheimer’s disease/Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-11520494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher is studying how midlife metabolic problems like diabetes and obesity may disrupt brain cells that support neurons, potentially leading to Alzheimer's disease and related dementia in later life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00AG081390-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11520494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) who are at risk for or living with AD/ADRD, and who are willing to contribute biological samples or participate in studies related to brain cell metabolism.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience direct benefits, as findings could apply broadly to future patients rather than individuals in the study.
What this research studies
This project focuses on people aged 65 and older who are at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. It looks at how metabolic syndrome affects oligodendrocytes, the brain cells that help neurons stay healthy, and how this disruption could contribute to cognitive decline. Using human-relevant models and advanced sequencing, the team aims to map how metabolic changes influence cellular metabolism and neuron support over time. The goal is to uncover mechanisms that could point to new ideas for preventing or slowing dementia progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could guide new prevention strategies and therapies to protect brain cells and slow dementia in people with metabolic risk factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests that metabolic factors and oligodendrocyte function are linked to cognitive decline, but this project seeks to clarify the mechanism in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
Shreveport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noureldein, Mohamed Hussein Mohamed — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Noureldein, Mohamed Hussein Mohamed
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How metabolic syndrome affects brain cells and contributes to Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how problems with metabolism, like those seen in metabolic syndrome, might affect brain cells that support neurons and could lead to memory issues or Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help improve brain health.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
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.