Exploring how blood flow affects cognitive decline in aging and dementia
Official title: Imaging Vascular Function in Normal Aging, MCI, and Mild Dementia
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11083155 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood flow in the brain affects thinking and memory in people with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia, using a special type of MRI to help understand the connection better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $147,515 |
| NIH project number | 5K25AG083114-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083155 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia, particularly those showing signs of vascular dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced dementia or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between vascular function and cognitive decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, specifically a novel MRI method, the study aims to measure cerebral blood volume and its impact on cognitive abilities. By understanding how vascular health influences cognitive function, the research seeks to identify alternative pathways contributing to dementia beyond traditional markers. This approach could provide valuable insights into early-stage cognitive dysfunction and its underlying causes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for patients experiencing cognitive decline due to vascular issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using neuroimaging to assess vascular contributions to cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Feng — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Feng
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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.