# Energy expenditure, cognitive function, and biomarker features of Alzheimer's disease

> **NIH NIH K01** · RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J. · 2024 · $78,658

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
This is an application for a Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K01). The goal of
the proposed project is to provide the candidate with advanced skills necessary to develop an independent
research program focused on the association between physical activity and cognitive decline and dementia,
particularly as it pertains to Alzheimer disease-related dementias (ADRDs). To facilitate this long-term career
goal the candidate will: focus on two physical activity-related measures of energy expenditure (“energetics”) (1)
cardiorespiratory fitness and (2) the energetic cost of walking, as objective markers of the physiological
consequences of habitual physical activity. Recent published work by the candidate suggests that measures of
energetics may optimally capture the physiological mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of physical
activity on risk for cognitive decline. This research indicates that lower levels of cardiorespiratory fitness –the
integrated ability to deliver oxygen to the musculoskeletal system during sustained activity– is associated with
cognitive decline, increased rate of brain atrophy, and decreased resting cerebral blood flow and that a higher
energetic cost of walking –the oxygen needed for customary paced walking– is associated with increased odds
of amyloid positivity and accelerated hippocampal and brain atrophy. This application proposes a longitudinal
study to i) investigate the extent to which changes in energetics track with changes in cognition and AD
biomarkers, ii) assess which modifiable energetic measure may hold the greatest predictive value with respect
to the forgoing outcomes; and iii) investigate mitochondrial function as a potential underlying biological
mechanism of energetics-brain associations. With a transdisciplinary mentorship team, the applicants career
development plan builds on his previous research training to gain proficiency in: 1) advanced neuroimaging
techniques, using PET and MRS, 2) physical activity-related measures of energy expenditure and post-exercise
MRS assessment of oxidative capacity (a correlate of mitochondrial function), 3) cognitive changes associated
with aging and ADRD, 4) longitudinal statistical analysis, 5) professional development, and 6) responsible
conduct of research. The research objectives and training goals of this K01 award will provide a learning
environment to advance the applicants knowledge in cognitive aging and ADRD and facilitate his transition to an
independent investigator examining the impact of modifiable lifestyle activities on cognitive decline in older
persons.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11115102
- **Project number:** 7K01AG080122-03
- **Recipient organization:** RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIV OF N.J.
- **Principal Investigator:** Ryan James Dougherty
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $78,658
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2023-03-15 → 2027-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11115102

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11115102, Energy expenditure, cognitive function, and biomarker features of Alzheimer's disease (7K01AG080122-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11115102. Licensed CC0.

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