Understanding brain metabolism and blood flow issues in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Impaired cerebral metabolism and blood flow by neuronal and astrocytic dysfunctions in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11093427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with brain cells affect energy use and blood flow in people with Alzheimer's, hoping to find new ways to help improve brain health and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $209,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG085366-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093427 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 showing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how dysfunctions in neurons and astrocytes affect brain metabolism and blood flow in Alzheimer's disease. By using a combination of advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify the sequence of events that lead to cognitive decline in patients. The approach focuses on understanding the relationship between reduced glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and the resulting impact on brain health. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potentially new treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study brain function in Alzheimer's, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herman, Peter — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Herman, Peter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.