Early vascular-related thinking and memory changes in CADASIL
Unraveling the earliest phases of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia using CADASIL--a monogenic form of small vessel cerebrovascular disease
This project looks at how the NOTCH3 (CADASIL) gene leads to early blood-vessel-related thinking and memory changes by following people from before symptoms through dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10842466 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be followed over time if you carry or are at risk for the NOTCH3 mutation (CADASIL), with brain scans, cognitive tests, and blood or fluid samples to track early changes. The team uses imaging, genetics, biomarkers, and clinical exams to map how small vessel disease starts and progresses. Some participants who also have Alzheimer-type changes will help researchers see how vascular and Alzheimer processes mix. The overall aim is to identify early signs across the lifespan so future treatments can target the right people sooner.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who carry the NOTCH3 mutation (CADASIL) or family members at risk, including those without symptoms yet.
Not a fit: People whose cognitive problems are unrelated to small vessel disease and who do not carry NOTCH3 mutations are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect vascular contributions to cognitive decline earlier and guide timing and targets for future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: CADASIL has been used before as a model of small vessel disease, but few projects have followed carriers across the lifespan or closely examined mixed CADASIL–Alzheimer pathology, so this comprehensive approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paulsen, Jane S — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Paulsen, Jane S
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.