Developing a new MRI technique to assess brain blood flow in vascular cognitive impairment

Gas-free cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) MRI in vascular cognitive impairment

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-10668505

This study is testing a new, easier way to check how well blood vessels in the brain respond to changes, which could help doctors better diagnose vascular cognitive impairment, a common cause of dementia, without needing any gas or injections, making it more comfortable for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10668505 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the diagnosis of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), which is a leading cause of dementia. The team aims to develop a gas-free MRI technique to measure cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), which indicates how well blood vessels in the brain can respond to stimulation. By eliminating the need for gas inhalation or drug injections, this method seeks to enhance patient comfort and accessibility while providing reliable diagnostic information. The study will explore the effectiveness of this new approach compared to traditional methods.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing cognitive decline or symptoms of vascular cognitive impairment, particularly those who may not have access to current diagnostic methods.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairment due to causes other than vascular issues, such as Alzheimer's disease without vascular components, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more accessible and comfortable diagnostic tool for vascular cognitive impairment, improving early detection and treatment options for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While cerebrovascular reactivity has been studied in various contexts, the specific gas-free approach being developed in this research is novel and has not been widely tested.

Where this research is happening

BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.