Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Linked to Heart Health and Atrial Disease
Official title: Cognitive Impairment and Dementia, Vascular Brain Injury, and Atrial Myopathy: Implications for Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10974006 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how heart-related changes and atrial problems may signal or influence dementia risk in adults, with a focus on preventing Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,035,475 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS135615-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974006 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 65 and older, with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease-related dementia, and individuals undergoing assessment for vascular contributions to cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Older adults without vascular or cognitive concerns or those not at risk for ADRD may have minimal direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how vascular health and atrial abnormalities relate to cognitive decline and dementia, especially in older adults. It seeks non-invasive ways to detect brain changes associated with VCID by exploring signals from the heart and other non-brain organs. The study will involve clinical assessment and analyses to understand how atrial myopathy and vascular markers connect to dementia risk as people age beyond 85. By clarifying how heart health impacts brain aging, the work aims to identify potential targets for prevention and early intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to earlier detection of dementia risk and new prevention strategies that involve monitoring and improving heart and atrial health.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows links between atrial health, vascular brain injury, and cognitive outcomes, supporting further investigation here.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Lin Yee — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Chen, Lin Yee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating the links between heart health and Alzheimer's disease in older adults
This study is looking at how heart problems, especially in people over 85, might affect thinking and memory, and it aims to find easy ways to spot these issues early so we can better understand and help those at risk for dementia.
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Global picture of dementia risk and memory loss across the world
A large international effort gathers data from many studies to understand how dementia and memory problems develop around the world, using shared information to reveal patterns and risk factors.
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PNA5 for VCID and Alzheimer's Dementias: A first-in-human safety study
A first-in-human trial tests a new drug, PNA5, to see if it is safe and tolerable for adults with vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's-related dementias.
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Global picture of dementia and Alzheimer’s risk across populations
A large international effort gathers health data from many cohorts to understand what increases or lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease around the world.
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Global patterns of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's dementia
Bringing together memory-study data from around the world to find lifestyle and environmental factors people can change to lower the risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
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A brain-boosting peptide to help people at risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
A new drug-like peptide (PNA5) is being studied to reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow in people at risk for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's-related dementia.
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.