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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00AG071667-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-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
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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.