Understanding how diet affects brain health and Alzheimer's disease in different groups
Dietary factors, neuroinflammation, plasma neurodegenerative biomarkers and Alzheimer’s disease in diverse cohorts
This project explores how healthy eating habits might protect the brain from Alzheimer's disease by looking at inflammation and specific markers in the blood, especially in diverse communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that healthy diets are linked to slower memory decline and less Alzheimer's disease changes in the brain, but we don't fully understand why. This project aims to uncover the hidden ways that certain foods, nutrients, and plant compounds called flavonoids might reduce brain inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key factors in Alzheimer's. We will also look at how diet relates to new blood tests that can show signs of Alzheimer's disease and brain cell damage. Our goal is to learn more about these connections in a variety of people, including those from underrepresented groups, to help develop better prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals interested in how diet impacts brain health, particularly those concerned about Alzheimer's disease and from diverse backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment for active Alzheimer's disease may not directly benefit from this foundational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how specific dietary choices can protect brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, leading to new prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown brain health benefits from dietary factors through inflammatory and oxidative pathways, suggesting a promising direction for human research.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agarwal, Puja — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Agarwal, Puja
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 below.