NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Midlife obesity and prediabetes as triggers for later cognitive decline linked to immune dysregulation

Official title: Midlife obesity and prediabetes trigger later life cognitive decline through central nervous system inflammaging and innate immune dysregulation of cGAS/STING

Funded at Michigan State University · NIH-11345668 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant explores how midlife obesity and prediabetes may lead to memory and thinking problems later in life by influencing brain inflammation and immune pathways.

More Obesity research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number5R00AG071667-05
Project IDNIH-11345668 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults in midlife who have obesity or prediabetes and are at risk for later cognitive decline.

Less likely to help

Individuals without midlife metabolic dysfunction or those already experiencing advanced dementia are less likely to directly benefit.

What this research studies

The study focuses on people in midlife who are dealing with obesity or prediabetes and follows how these conditions might set the stage for cognitive decline as they age. It investigates a specific immune mechanism called the cGAS/STING pathway and how its dysregulation in the body could connect metabolic issues with brain inflammation. Researchers aim to map how early metabolic imbalance could influence brain health over time, with potential implications for prevention and treatment strategies. The project is conducted at Michigan State University under the leadership of Dr. Sarah Elzinga.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Understanding these links could lead to new ways to prevent or slow cognitive decline by targeting inflammation and metabolic health.

How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown links between obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inflammation with cognitive changes, but this work aims to clarify the cGAS/STING pathway's role.

Where this research is happening

  • Michigan State University
    East Lansing, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Elzinga, Sarah — Michigan State University
  • Study coordinator: Elzinga, Sarah

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.