Understanding how gut bacteria affect brain aging and Alzheimer's risk
Official title: CRCNS: Repurposing Transformers to Characterize Gut Microbiome & Aging Brain Axis
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11171526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might affect brain health as we get older, especially for people at risk of Alzheimer's, and it aims to find ways to lower the chances of developing dementia by involving patients in brain scans and memory tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $362,434 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG092220-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11171526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those concerned about cognitive decline or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any cognitive concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the gut microbiome and the aging brain, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing large datasets and using advanced machine-learning techniques, the study aims to identify modifiable risk factors that could help reduce the risk of dementia. Patients will be involved in assessments that include neuroimaging and cognitive evaluations to better understand how gut health influences brain health as we age. The research seeks to repurpose cutting-edge AI models to analyze complex biological data effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia through dietary or lifestyle changes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the gut-brain axis, but this approach using advanced AI models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Vikas — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Singh, Vikas
Related research
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This study is looking at how the bacteria in our gut might change as we get older and how those changes could affect health issues like memory problems, weight gain, and heart disease, so if you're an older adult, your participation could help us learn how diet and lifestyle impact your health as you age.
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A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.
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.