How aging affects the immune response to mitochondria after a stroke and its impact on cognitive function

Aging Immunity to Extracellular Mitochondria Exacerbates Vascular Cognitive Impairment After Stroke

NIH-funded research Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11130707

This study looks at how the immune system in older adults reacts to certain cell parts after a stroke and how this might affect thinking and memory, aiming to help us understand why some people have more trouble recovering from a stroke as they age.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMassachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11130707 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the aging immune system responds to extracellular mitochondria after a stroke and how this response may worsen cognitive impairment. The study focuses on the role of neurovascular inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. By examining the recycling process of healthy mitochondria in the brain, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to cognitive decline in older adults following a stroke. Patients may be involved in understanding how their immune response changes with age and how this affects recovery after a stroke.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have experienced a stroke and are facing cognitive challenges.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger and have not experienced a stroke may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies to improve cognitive outcomes for older stroke patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of mitochondrial function in cognitive impairment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Boston, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.