Understanding how bariatric surgery affects Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Integrating spatial transcriptomics and single cell RNA-sequencing to mechanistically define bariatric surgery's impact on Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11140068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how weight loss surgery, like sleeve gastrectomy, might help improve brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's in older adults who are dealing with obesity and type 2 diabetes, so you can learn more about how this surgery could benefit your overall health and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $311,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG088813-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are experiencing obesity or metabolic issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing obesity or metabolic disorders, or those younger than 65, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of bariatric surgery, specifically sleeve gastrectomy, on Alzheimer's disease and metabolic health in older adults. By integrating advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and single-cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind the surgery's impact on brain health. The research focuses on understanding how obesity and type 2 diabetes contribute to Alzheimer's risk and how surgical interventions can potentially mitigate these effects. Patients may benefit from insights into how weight loss surgery could improve cognitive function and overall health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results regarding the cognitive benefits of bariatric surgery in older adults, indicating that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, David a — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Harris, David a
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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.