Exploring how blood vessel changes affect brain aging
Official title: Understanding the role of the cerebral microvasculature in brain aging
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11087668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging affects the blood vessels in the brain and how that might lead to problems like Alzheimer's disease, using mice to explore how changes in blood flow can impact brain health and test new treatments that could help improve blood vessel function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $552,968 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG083567-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or those at risk for neurodegenerative diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any cognitive impairments may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging on the brain's blood vessels and how these changes may lead to conditions like Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to understand how reduced blood flow affects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier and contributes to cognitive decline. The research will involve experiments on mice to observe the effects of simulated reduced blood flow and test potential therapies targeting mitochondrial function in blood vessels. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the relationship between vascular health and brain aging.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and prevent cognitive decline in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of vascular health in brain aging, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rutkai-Green, Ibolya — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Rutkai-Green, Ibolya
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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.