Metformin and Aging to Reduce Alzheimer's Risk
Targeting Biology of Aging Mechanisms Underlying Alzheimer's Disease Risk with Metformin
This project looks at how the common diabetes medicine metformin might slow down aging processes that contribute to Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193939 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that getting older is the biggest risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, but we don't fully understand why. This project explores how key biological aging processes, like cell changes and metabolism, are connected to Alzheimer's and related dementias. Our team is already running a clinical trial with metformin in prediabetic older adults to see if it can prevent frailty. We are also looking at how metformin affects aging markers in samples from these participants. This new effort will specifically focus on whether metformin can influence these aging pathways to reduce Alzheimer's risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults, especially those who are prediabetic or at risk for frailty, who are interested in contributing to research on aging and Alzheimer's prevention.
Not a fit: Patients who are not older adults or who do not have prediabetes or risk factors for frailty may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or delay Alzheimer's disease by targeting the aging process itself.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research suggests that the pace of aging can be modified by interventions, and metformin has shown effects on multiple aging pathways.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Espinoza, Sara Elyse — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Espinoza, Sara Elyse
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 below.