How heart health affects brain aging and dementia outcomes.
Favorable cardiovascular health, connectome integrity, and ADRD clinical outcomes and pathologic underpinnings in a diverse cohort.
This study is looking at how taking care of your heart can help keep your brain healthy as you age, especially in relation to Alzheimer's and other memory issues, and it's for anyone interested in learning how good heart health might protect against dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10898771 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between cardiovascular health and brain aging, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). It utilizes the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 metrics to assess cardiovascular health and employs advanced neuroimaging techniques to create detailed maps of brain connectivity. By examining how favorable heart health can influence brain structure and function, the study aims to uncover critical insights into successful aging and cognitive preservation. Participants will contribute to a better understanding of how maintaining cardiovascular health may protect against dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are interested in understanding the impact of cardiovascular health on brain aging and dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by Alzheimer's disease or related dementias and do not have cardiovascular health concerns may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias through improved cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have performed: While there is existing research on cardiovascular health and brain aging, this study's multi-modal approach to connectome integrity is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lamar, Melissa — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lamar, Melissa
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.