Understanding how Type-2 diabetes affects brain plasticity in older adults
Official title: Neurobiological mechanisms of altered cortical plasticity in Type-2 diabetes mellitus
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11037985 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Type-2 diabetes affects the brain in older adults, especially how it changes the brain's ability to adapt and learn, and it's for older folks with diabetes who want to understand more about their brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2021 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $839,964 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG070077-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11037985 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been diagnosed with Type-2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have Type-2 diabetes may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of Type-2 diabetes on brain function and structure in older adults, particularly focusing on how diabetes alters cortical plasticity, which is the brain's ability to adapt and change. The study utilizes advanced techniques like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to measure brain activity and assess changes in cortical excitability. By comparing older adults with Type-2 diabetes to healthy individuals, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to cognitive decline and dementia associated with diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia in older adults with Type-2 diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar TMS techniques has shown promising results in understanding brain plasticity in older adults, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fried, Peter J — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Fried, Peter J
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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.