Using liquid biopsies to study how a ketogenic diet affects brain health in mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Liquid biopsies to evaluate the effect of a ketogenic diet on molecular circuitries associated with mild cognitive impairment
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11030759 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles in your blood can help track changes in the brain for people with early signs of Alzheimer's, and it will explore whether a special diet can improve brain function for those with mild memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,315 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG084696-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11030759 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without mild cognitive impairment or those who are not interested in dietary interventions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of small extracellular vesicles, or exosomes, as liquid biopsies to monitor molecular changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study focuses on the effects of a Modified Mediterranean-Ketogenic Diet (MMKD) on individuals with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Participants will undergo various assessments, including cognitive testing, brain imaging, and analysis of biomarkers, to evaluate the diet's impact on brain function and identify those who may benefit most from this dietary intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that improve cognitive health and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results for ketogenic diets in improving cognitive function in individuals with mild cognitive impairment, suggesting potential for success in this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deep, Gagan — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Deep, Gagan
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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.