How lowering blood pressure affects brain health in older adults
Impact of Intensive Treatment of Systolic Blood Pressure on Brain Perfusion, Amyloid and Tau in Older Adults (IPAT-study)
This study is looking at whether lowering high blood pressure to below 120 can help protect brain health and reduce the risk of dementia in older adults, especially those who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10894806 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of intensive treatment of systolic blood pressure on brain health in older adults, particularly focusing on the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to determine if lowering blood pressure to below 120 mmHg, compared to a target of below 140 mmHg, can improve brain perfusion and reduce the risk of dementia. By examining brain imaging and blood flow, the research seeks to understand the relationship between hypertension and cognitive decline. Older adults with high blood pressure and at risk for dementia may be eligible to participate in this study.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have hypertension and are at high risk for dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have hypertension may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment guidelines that significantly reduce the risk of dementia in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies, such as the SPRINT trial, have shown that intensive blood pressure treatment can reduce the risk of cognitive impairment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Rong — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Rong
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.