Young Gut Microbiome as a Possible Key to Brain Injury Recovery in Older Adults
Official title: The Young Gut Microbiome: A Fountain of Youth for Brain Injury in the Aged?
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-10974002 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study investigates how the gut microbiome affects brain injury outcomes in people 65 and older to see if it could improve recovery and reduce dementia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $712,501 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS135652-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974002 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) who have experienced traumatic brain injury and are at risk for cognitive impairment or dementia.
✕Less likely to help
The study may offer limited benefit to younger individuals or those without TBI.
What this research studies
This project explores how aging gut bacteria and brain immune cells (microglia) interact after a head injury. It uses data from older adults with traumatic brain injury to see how altering gut microbes might influence brain inflammation and cognitive recovery. The researchers plan to examine pre- and post-injury gut communities and test whether restoring a healthy microbiome can lessen neuroinflammation and improve function after injury. The work builds on prior findings that aged microglia are more reactive and that gut microbes after injury may shape brain outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to gut-targeted therapies that improve brain recovery after injury in older adults and potentially reduce dementia risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous data suggest a link between gut microbes, microglial activation, and brain function after injury, supporting further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwulst, Steven J — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Schwulst, Steven 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.