Eye scan signs for inherited vascular dementia (CADASIL)
Retinal biomarkers in monogenic vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
This project will use noninvasive eye scans to look for signs of CADASIL in people who carry the NOTCH3 gene.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11184472 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be invited to join if you carry the NOTCH3 gene that causes CADASIL, and the project plans to enroll 180 participants across the lifespan from presymptomatic carriers to those with dementia. Participants will get retinal imaging and clinical follow-up to see whether eye measures track brain blood-vessel changes and symptoms over time. The work uses standardized scans across multiple U.S. sites in an existing CADASIL consortium and follows people longitudinally. Results will be compared to clinical and other imaging data to identify retinal markers linked to disease stage and progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with a confirmed NOTCH3 mutation (CADASIL gene carriers), including those without symptoms.
Not a fit: People who do not carry NOTCH3 mutations or who have unrelated causes of dementia are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, eye scans could offer an easier way to detect and monitor CADASIL and help speed up future clinical trials.
How similar studies have performed: Previous retinal imaging studies have suggested links to small vessel brain disease, but using retinal biomarkers across the full CADASIL lifespan is relatively new.
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.