Blood flow and vessel-control problems in the Alzheimer’s brain

Hypoperfusion, Hemodynamic Control Domains and Neurovascular Dysregulation in AD brain pathology

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-11301008

Researchers are looking at how poor blood flow and weakened control of brain blood vessels may drive Alzheimer’s disease using aged and Alzheimer-model mice.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-11301008 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This work compares how blood is delivered and regulated in normal aging brains versus a mouse model that mimics human Alzheimer’s changes. Scientists will study small vessel and capillary function, pericyte behavior, and hemodynamic responses that support brain metabolism. The team uses the CVN-AD mouse model alongside aged control mice to map where and how blood-supply failure happens early in the disease. Results are aimed at finding vascular mechanisms that might explain or worsen Alzheimer’s-related brain decline.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or those at higher genetic risk (for example APOE ε4 carriers) interested in research on brain blood flow may follow findings or future trials arising from this work, though this grant supports lab-based studies.

Not a fit: Patients seeking an immediate treatment or a clinical trial enrollment are unlikely to benefit directly from this mouse-focused laboratory research at this time.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to protect or restore brain blood flow that might slow Alzheimer’s progression.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked vascular and blood-flow problems to Alzheimer’s, but translating those findings into effective therapies remains largely unproven.

Where this research is happening

Durham, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.