Understanding Gut Health, Brain Blood Flow, and Memory in Alzheimer's

Gut Immunity, Neurovascular Dysregulation and Cognitive Impairment

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11160712

This work explores how gut health and blood vessel function in the brain might contribute to memory problems in Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11160712 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias cause memory loss and thinking problems, and currently, there are no cures. We know that inflammation and issues with blood vessels in the brain play a big role in how these diseases progress. This project looks at how the immune system in your gut might talk to your brain's blood vessels and immune cells, potentially affecting memory. We are particularly interested in certain immune cells and their signals that seem to be linked to memory decline and the buildup of harmful proteins in the brain.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational work is for patients interested in the underlying causes of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, particularly those with cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical trial participation may not find immediate benefit from this basic science investigation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new ways to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease by targeting the gut immune system or brain blood vessel function.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific link between gut immunity, neurovascular dysfunction, and cognitive impairment is still being established, previous research has implicated neuroinflammation and gut microbiome changes in Alzheimer's disease.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease and related dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.