Metabolic Dysfunction in Alzheimer's Disease Lead Investigator: Auriel Willette Institution : Iowa State University E-Mail : awillett@iastate.edu Proposal ID : 1131 Proposal Description: Metabolic function and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have been linked to cognitive abilities. Higher glucose levels, insulin resistance, and T2D have been associated with poorer performance on tasks related to memory, executive function, and global cognition. However, less is known about the impact of metabolic function on axonal integrity and volumetric measures across the AD spectrum. Further, genetic risk factors such as APOE status and family history may also contribute to cognitive health in combination with metabolic factors. As such, the aims of the study are as follows: (1) Evaluate DTI tract integrity by T2D status (2) Examine differences in volumetric measures by T2D status (3) Test relationships between T2D and risk factors for cognitive impairment across imaging modalities and (4) Explore genes related to metabolic function (e.g. sirtuins) and their impact on cognitive and brain volumetric measures. Results of the study would provide a greater understanding of the mechanisms underlying metabolic function and AD spectrum disorders and would provide a target population for future intervention research.