How carotid disease affects memory and thinking skills

Role of Carotid Disease in Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · SOUTHERN ARIZONA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM · NIH-11052703

This study is looking at how problems with the carotid arteries might affect memory and thinking skills, especially for people who are having treatment for severe narrowing of these arteries, which can lead to strokes, and it aims to help doctors choose the best patients for these treatments to lower the risk of dementia.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorSOUTHERN ARIZONA VA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TUCSON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11052703 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between carotid disease and cognitive impairment, particularly focusing on how carotid interventions may influence memory and decision-making abilities. It aims to identify patients at risk for cognitive decline following procedures for severe carotid narrowing, which is a common cause of stroke. By understanding the mechanisms behind cognitive deterioration, the study seeks to improve patient selection for interventions and ultimately reduce the risk of dementia. The research will analyze the impact of silent brain infarcts and blood flow on cognitive outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults with severe carotid narrowing who are at risk for cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients without carotid disease or those who do not have cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better patient selection for carotid interventions, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that carotid interventions can impact cognitive outcomes, but this specific approach to identifying at-risk patients is novel.

Where this research is happening

TUCSON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.