Understanding how lipids affect aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Defining lipid droplet homeostasis in Alzheimer's disease and aging with high molecular specificity using mass spectrometry imaging and isomer resolved lipidomics
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11058439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how fats in the body change as we age and how these changes might be linked to Alzheimer's disease, with the goal of finding ways to better understand and possibly help with brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $496,317 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081436-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing cognitive decline or do not have risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lipids in aging and Alzheimer's disease by using advanced mass spectrometry imaging techniques. It aims to define what normal lipid levels are and how they fluctuate throughout life, particularly in relation to brain health. By creating detailed maps of lipid distribution in brain tissues, the study seeks to uncover how lipid imbalances contribute to Alzheimer's and related dementias. This approach could lead to better understanding and potential interventions for these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease and improving healthspan in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding lipid roles in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Scott, Alison J — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Scott, Alison J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Metabolic clues from lipids to understand aging and Alzheimer’s disease
This grant studies how lipids in the body relate to aging of the brain and the risk and progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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A combined team effort will use advanced computer models and brain cell data to understand how aging influences Alzheimer’s disease.
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Researchers will combine live brain imaging in animals with computer simulations to understand how aging and Alzheimer’s disease change the prefrontal cortex and relate to memory and thinking problems.
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.