How carotid artery disease affects cognitive decline and Alzheimer's risk
Official title: Extracranial Carotid Atherosclerosis Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11092805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with the carotid arteries in your neck might affect thinking and memory, especially in people at risk for Alzheimer's, and it will explore whether surgery to fix these artery issues could help improve brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,401,879 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG070987-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092805 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with carotid artery disease who are experiencing cognitive impairment or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without carotid artery disease or those who do not exhibit cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between extracranial carotid artery disease and cognitive impairment, particularly focusing on Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how factors like blood flow and inflammation from carotid artery issues contribute to brain changes associated with dementia. The study will explore the potential benefits of surgical interventions, such as carotid endarterectomy, in improving cognitive function and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's. By examining these connections, the research seeks to identify new treatment options for patients at risk of cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline in patients at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the vascular contributions to cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weinkauf, Craig C — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Weinkauf, Craig C
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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.