Brain blood-flow changes and nerve cell health in Alzheimer's
Uncovering the physiological role of functional hyperemia
This project looks at whether blocking the brain's activity-linked rise in blood flow changes nerve cell function in Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285301 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I or a loved one has Alzheimer's, the team is using lab models that mimic the disease to stop the normal burst of blood flow that follows brain activity while leaving baseline blood flow alone. They use advanced tools like optogenetics and two-photon imaging to watch neurons and brain metabolism in real time in Alzheimer's-model animals. Researchers compare those results to healthy models to see whether preventing activity-linked blood flow harms neuronal signaling or energy use. The work aims to clarify whether loss of this blood-flow response contributes to brain dysfunction in Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease or early memory loss would be the most relevant group to follow this work or to join related future studies.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's or with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic lab research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to protect or restore the blood-flow response and help preserve brain function in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown impaired activity-linked blood-flow responses in Alzheimer's models and patients, but selectively blocking functional hyperemia while keeping baseline flow normal is a newer, mostly preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'herron, Philip — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: O'herron, Philip
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.