Curtin University researchers will investigate a promising new approach to preventing cognitive decline and dementia in people living with diabetes, after winning a prestigious Diabetes Australia Research Grant.
Led by Associate Professor Ryu Takechi from the Curtin Medical Research Institute and Curtin School of Population Health, the two‑year project will explore how type 2 diabetes and a genetic variant known as apoE4 combine to accelerate brain dysfunction - and whether two oral medicines can block this process.
Associate Professor Takechi said people living with diabetes faced a significantly higher risk of dementia, which rose dramatically for those carrying the apoE4 gene.
"The community has told us clearly that their biggest concerns are keeping memory and independence, having earlier warning signs, and access to simple, affordable treatments," Associate Professor Takechi said.
"Carers have emphasised the burden of cognitive decline on families and the health system.
"This project directly responds to those priorities by developing a practical blood test and testing two oral therapies that could be readily accessible in routine diabetes care."
The research focuses on a newly identified biological pathway involving amyloid beta (small protein fragments) bound to lipoproteins, which help transport fats and cholesterol in the body.
The team has found lipoprotein‑bound amyloid beta becomes markedly elevated in diabetes and in people with the genetic variant apoE4.
Using a world‑first, Curtin-developed model, researchers will test two potential treatments: probucol, an off‑patent cholesterol‑lowering medication being repurposed for brain protection; and HA‑1, a new compound patented by the researchers.
Associate Professor Takechi said the work could shift dementia care from reactive treatment to proactive prevention.
"A simple blood test combined with accessible, low-cost oral therapies has enormous potential to reduce inequities, particularly for regional, culturally diverse and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities," Associate Professor Takechi said.
The project team includes experts in neurovascular biology, lipid metabolism, neuroimaging and clinical translation from Curtin and The University of Western Australia.
Diabetes Australia's Research Grants support research addressing the lived‑experience priorities of people living with diabetes, including reducing complications, improving quality of life and supporting healthy ageing.
