Understanding how diabetes affects the risk of dementia through metabolic changes.

Metabolomics of Neurocognitive Risk for Dementia in Diabetes

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10540341

This study is looking at how type 2 diabetes might affect thinking and memory over time, especially in different racial groups, and it’s for people with diabetes who want to help researchers find early signs of dementia by sharing their health information and samples.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-10540341 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between type 2 diabetes and the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. By analyzing metabolic signatures from patients with diabetes, the study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that contribute to cognitive impairment, particularly focusing on differences between racial groups. Participants will undergo cognitive assessments and provide biological samples for metabolomic analysis, which will help identify potential biomarkers for early detection of dementia. The study utilizes data from the Diabetes Heart Study cohort, examining samples collected over a decade ago to correlate metabolic changes with cognitive outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients without diabetes or those who are not at risk for cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of individuals at risk for dementia due to diabetes, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in identifying metabolic markers associated with cognitive decline in diabetes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, 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.
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.