Blood markers linking artery aging to Alzheimer’s-related brain changes
Common mechanistic biomarkers of vascular and neuro-degeneration
['FUNDING_R01'] · DUKE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11251616
Researchers will look at blood tests and immune cell genes in older adults to learn how stiffening arteries relate to Alzheimer’s-type brain changes.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DUKE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DURHAM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251616 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will measure how stiff your arteries over time and collect blood samples for Alzheimer’s-related proteins such as phosphorylated tau and amyloid markers. They will analyze immune cells called monocytes for gene activity and DNA methylation patterns that might connect blood vessel aging to brain changes. The team will also test a protein called SIRT1 in lab-grown cells and animal models to see if altering it affects both vascular and brain pathology. Together these steps aim to link blood markers and cell changes to cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults, especially those with cardiovascular risk factors or signs of artery stiffness, who can provide blood samples and attend follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People who are much younger, have no vascular risk factors, or need immediate treatment for advanced dementia are less likely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to blood tests that identify people at higher dementia risk and point to treatments that protect blood vessels and the brain.
How similar studies have performed: Blood measures like phosphorylated tau have shown promise as surrogates for brain amyloid/tau, but using arterial stiffness plus monocyte genomics and testing SIRT1 as a shared mechanism is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
DURHAM, UNITED STATES
- DUKE UNIVERSITY — DURHAM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LIU, YONGMEI — DUKE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: LIU, YONGMEI
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.