Blood vessel problems, white matter damage, and movement loss in Alzheimer’s
Vascular contribution to white matter lesions and motor dysfunction in AD and ADRD
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11212260
Researchers are looking at whether small blood vessel damage in the brain leads to white matter changes that cause movement and balance problems in people with Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11212260 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how vascular damage and white matter lesions in the brain contribute to walking, balance, and other motor problems in Alzheimer’s and related dementias. The team uses Alzheimer’s and Familial Danish Dementia mouse models alongside detailed brain imaging, blood vessel and tissue analyses, and motor behavior tests to link vascular changes to movement decline. By focusing on the basal ganglia and other motor-relevant regions, researchers aim to map which vascular and white matter changes come before motor symptoms. The work is designed to point to biological targets that could be tested in future human studies to prevent or slow motor deterioration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer’s disease or AD-related dementias, especially those noticing early gait, balance, or other motor changes, would be most relevant to follow this work or consider future related trials.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer’s or whose movement problems are known to be caused by non-vascular conditions may be less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal vascular causes of motor decline in Alzheimer’s and suggest targets for treatments to slow or prevent movement problems.
How similar studies have performed: Prior clinical and animal studies have linked white matter lesions and small-vessel disease to motor deficits, but this project uses new models and focused vascular analyses to clarify cause-effect relationships.
Where this research is happening
Newark, UNITED STATES
- RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES — Newark, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: AHN, HYUNG JIN — RUTGERS BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: AHN, HYUNG JIN
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease