Checking blood, MRI, and tissue markers of small‑vessel dementia in South Texas communities
Multiethnic Validation of VCID Biomarkers in South Texas
This project looks at blood, brain imaging, and tissue signs that might help detect small‑vessel–related memory problems in Hispanic and African American adults in South Texas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168845 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You may be invited to join if you receive care in Houston or San Antonio or are part of linked population studies; researchers will collect blood samples, clinical information, and brain MRIs and will follow participants over time. The team will compare these new markers with existing data and with biospecimens from larger cohorts to see which markers reliably relate to cognitive decline from small‑vessel disease. When available, they will also analyze brain autopsy tissue to link lab findings to actual brain changes. Participation can include clinic visits, blood draws, imaging, and allowing access to medical records and past study data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Hispanic or African American adults in the San Antonio or Houston area, including people seen in stroke, dementia, primary care clinics, or enrolled in population cohorts.
Not a fit: People with cognitive problems caused entirely by nonvascular diseases or those who cannot undergo MRI or provide blood samples may not directly benefit from these specific biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that identify people at risk for vascular-related cognitive decline earlier and more accurately.
How similar studies have performed: Prior MarkVCID work produced candidate biomarkers and early evidence, but broader multiethnic, longitudinal validation like this is still needed.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Satizabal, Claudia L — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Satizabal, Claudia L
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.