SAN ANTONIO, April 27, 2026 – UT Health San Antonio has been awarded a significant grant from the Alzheimer’s Association to explore how disruptions to circadian rhythms may contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. This research aims to investigate environmental stressors such as jet lag and poor dietary habits that could have a role in developing the disease.
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While genetics accounts for about 60% of Alzheimer's risk, recent studies suggest that environmental factors play a crucial role in the remaining risk. Lack of sleep, for instance, can alter the levels of tau and amyloid in the brain, both of which are linked to Alzheimer's and other dementias.
Juan Pablo Palavicini, PhD, the principal investigator and an assistant professor in the Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, discussed efforts to create a robust model that reflects late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, rather than earlier aggressive models. The three-year study is backed by a $200,000 grant starting immediately.
Palavicini is collaborating with Kevin B. Koronowski, PhD, from the Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, to focus on how circadian disruption affects human phosphorylated-tau proteins. Koronowski pointed out that it is challenging to mitigate these environmental stressors, emphasizing the importance of understanding their long-term consequences.
In previous research funded by the William and Ella Owens Medical Foundation, the team simulated chronic jet lag in animal models, leading to behavioral issues and metabolic irregularities. This upcoming study aims to enhance these results by targeting middle-aged subjects and introducing a diet high in fats and sugars, reflecting the eating habits of individuals with irregular schedules.
Researchers will also examine whether implementing a time-restricted feeding schedule can mitigate metabolic disruptions caused by circadian misalignment. They found that past conditions of constant food availability showed notable effects on circadian rhythms, so they plan to limit feeding to a 12-hour window.
This project will investigate whether restoring metabolic rhythms amidst light disruption can influence Alzheimer's disease progression, examining the relationship between circadian disruptions and neurological health. Palavicini noted that sleep is critical for the clearance of tau and amyloid beta, and even brief disruptions can significantly impact brain health.
The research team includes Qing Zhang, MD, from Koronowski's lab, and Andrea Gonzalez, a student associate in Palavicini's lab. The study aims to shed light on how lifestyle factors interact with genetic predispositions and influence Alzheimer's disease development.