Understanding how aging fat cells affect brain function and Alzheimer's disease

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of senescent cells in adipose (fat) tissue and their impact on cognitive function and the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By examining how these aging cells contribute to inflammation and brain dysfunction, the study aims to uncover new insights into the biological mechanisms behind Alzheimer's. The research will utilize animal models to explore the relationship between adipose senescence and cognitive decline, potentially leading to novel therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from findings that could inform future treatments targeting obesity-related cognitive impairment.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Mayo Clinic Rochester
  Rochester, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Zhu, Yi — Mayo Clinic Rochester
• Study coordinator: Zhu, Yi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Understanding how daily activity patterns affect memory and dementia risk

  This project looks at how a full day of activities – including sleep, light and moderate exercise, and sitting time – might influence thinking skills and the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11399326

• Aging fat cells and their impact on memory and Alzheimer's disease

  Researchers are looking at whether aged, harmful cells in body fat send signals that damage the brain and speed memory loss in people at risk for Alzheimer's.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11397887

• SARS-CoV-2, APOE, and dementia: how COVID-19 affects thinking in aging and Alzheimer’s

  This NIH grant explores how COVID-19 may impact brain function and pathology in people with aging or Alzheimer's disease, including how APOE genes might influence the effects.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11370014

• Understanding how sleep problems in older couples relate to thinking skills and Alzheimer's risk

  This project looks at how insomnia in older couples may influence memory and thinking over time, with the goal of better understanding Alzheimer’s disease progression.

  NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11333382

• Hippocampal neurogenesis and its link to memory in Alzheimer’s disease

  This study investigates whether new brain cells form in the hippocampus of people with Alzheimer’s and how this may relate to memory and cognitive decline.

  NIH research University of Illinois at Chicago · Chicago, UNITED STATES · NIH-11325347

• How air quality and neighborhood design affect thinking and social connection in rural older adults

  This project uses wearables and daily surveys to look at whether air pollution, local neighborhood features, and social isolation affect thinking and memory in middle-aged and older rural adults.

  NIH research Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton, United States · NIH-11311345

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.