Blood exchange may help reduce the spread of harmful proteins in neurodegenerative diseases.

Heterochronic Blood Exchange Inhibits α?Synucleinopathy through Modulating Plasma Protein's Mediation on Pathological α?Synuclein Spreading

['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11103137

This study is looking at whether sharing blood between younger and older people can help slow down the harmful effects of diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, with the hope of finding new ways to support brain health as we age.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11103137 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how exchanging blood between younger and older individuals might inhibit the spread of harmful proteins associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. The approach focuses on understanding the role of plasma proteins in the aging process and their impact on the progression of α-synucleinopathies. By analyzing the effects of heterochronic blood exchange, the study aims to uncover potential therapeutic strategies to slow down cognitive decline and improve patient outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage neurodegenerative diseases or those without cognitive impairment may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and improve cognitive function in affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of blood exchange is novel in this context, similar approaches in other areas of research have shown promising results in modulating disease processes.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.