Vitamin D, gut bacteria and dementia risk in older adults with HIV
Vitamin D and Gut Microbiota and Dementia Risk in Older Adults with Chronic HIV infection and Demographically Matched Community Controls
['FUNDING_R01'] · HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11517874
This work will look at whether low vitamin D and changes in gut bacteria are linked to higher dementia risk in older adults living with chronic HIV and similar community members.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11517874 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will compare vitamin D levels and the mix of bacteria in your gut with how memory and thinking change over time in older adults with chronic HIV and demographically matched community members. You would provide blood and stool samples, complete brief cognitive tests, and share health, medication, and nutrition information during clinic visits. The team will follow participants for several years to see which patterns predict new or worsening dementia-related symptoms. The goal is to find simple, modifiable targets such as correcting vitamin D deficiency or shifting gut bacteria to lower dementia risk in this aging population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults (typically 65+) living with chronic HIV on antiretroviral therapy and demographically matched community controls who can provide blood and stool samples and complete cognitive testing.
Not a fit: People younger than the study age range, those without chronic HIV who are not part of the control group, or individuals with advanced dementia are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to vitamin D correction or microbiome-based approaches that help prevent or delay dementia in older adults with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research links low vitamin D or gut microbiome changes to worse cognition, but studies specifically in older adults with HIV are limited and findings are mixed.
Where this research is happening
EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES
- HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: EZEAMAMA, AMARA E — HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: EZEAMAMA, AMARA E
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 below.