Repurposing Transformers to Map Gut Microbiome and Aging Brain in Alzheimer’s
Official title: CRCNS: Repurposing Transformers to Characterize Gut Microbiome & Aging Brain Axis
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11333837 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use advanced AI models to understand how gut microbes and aging interact with brain changes related to Alzheimer’s disease, hoping to find factors that could reduce risk or slow progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $369,360 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG092220-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11333837 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, and those contributing data or biospecimens to multi-modal datasets.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not on the study pathways or without access to the participating data sources may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses transformer-based AI models adapted for microbiome and brain data to explore how gut microbes relate to aging and dementia. By analyzing multi-modal datasets that include microbiome profiles, neuroimaging, fluid biomarkers, and cognitive tests, the team seeks patterns that link gut health with brain aging. The work focuses on identifying modifiable factors that could lower dementia risk and improve outcomes for older adults. Results could guide future prevention strategies and personalized interventions for those at risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could highlight actionable factors in gut health that might help reduce dementia risk or slow cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests gut microbiome and brain connections exist, but applying transformer AI to multi-modal dementia data is a novel approach with promising potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Vikas — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Singh, Vikas
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
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.