Understanding how glucose metabolism affects Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Glycolysis and rodent models of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11195683 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with sugar processing in the brain might lead to Alzheimer's disease, using animal models to understand the underlying causes and how things like aging and other health issues affect the disease, with the hope of finding new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $758,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086396-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11195683 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, including those with metabolic disorders like obesity or diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have any metabolic risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glucose metabolism in Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how impaired glucose processing contributes to neuronal death and dysfunction. By using rodent models, the study aims to explore the biological mechanisms behind Alzheimer's and how factors like aging and metabolic diseases influence the disease's progression. The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques to measure brain glucose metabolism and assess the effects of existing drugs on enhancing glycolysis in the brain. This approach could lead to new strategies for developing treatments that modify the disease's course.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that slow down or alter the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between glucose metabolism and neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Qiang — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Qiang
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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.