New imaging techniques to study fat and ketone metabolism in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Novel Imaging Biomarkers of Lipid and Ketone Metabolism in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10884020 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain uses fats and ketones in people with Alzheimer's disease to find new ways to help improve brain energy and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,105,574 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG087306-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884020 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 risk of 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 investigates how the brain processes fats and ketones in Alzheimer's disease, a condition affecting millions. It aims to develop non-invasive imaging methods to better understand lipid metabolism and the potential benefits of ketone-based therapies. By using advanced techniques like deuterium magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the study seeks to provide insights into how ketones can support brain function in Alzheimer's patients. The ultimate goal is to enhance therapeutic strategies that could improve energy supply to the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for Alzheimer's disease by optimizing ketone-based therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ketone therapies for Alzheimer's, but this approach of using advanced imaging techniques is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reddy, Ravinder — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Reddy, Ravinder
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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.