How heart health affects brain aging in humans and great apes
Official title: Lifespan and Cardiovascular Health Effects on The Brain in Humans and Great Ape
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11193426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how heart health affects brain function as we get older, comparing humans to our closest relatives like chimpanzees and gorillas, to help us understand why we might experience more memory and thinking problems as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $836,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087945-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or cardiovascular issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no age-related cognitive decline or cardiovascular health issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between cardiovascular health and cognitive decline as humans age, comparing findings with great apes like chimpanzees and gorillas. By examining brain health and the impact of heart disease, the study aims to uncover why humans experience more significant cognitive decline than our closest relatives. The research employs advanced techniques such as stereology and electron microscopy to analyze brain cell densities and other factors related to aging and cardiovascular health. This could provide insights into preventing or mitigating age-related cognitive impairments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and strategies for preventing cognitive decline in aging populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between cardiovascular health and cognitive function, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hof, Patrick R — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Hof, Patrick R
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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.