Identifying new markers for small blood vessel issues related to cognitive decline and dementia.

Novel Biomarkers of Small Vessel Contributions to Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-10683733

This study is looking at how problems with tiny blood vessels in the brain can impact thinking and memory, and it aims to create new imaging techniques to help doctors see these changes more clearly, which could lead to better ways to diagnose and treat people with memory issues related to blood vessel health.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10683733 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how small blood vessel disease affects cognitive function and contributes to dementia. It aims to develop noninvasive imaging techniques that can detect changes in small blood vessels in the brain, which are currently difficult to visualize. By using advanced MRI methods, the study seeks to quantify blood flow in specific brain areas, providing better biomarkers for monitoring cognitive impairment. This could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients experiencing vascular cognitive impairment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing cognitive decline or dementia, particularly those with risk factors for small vessel disease.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairment not related to vascular issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment options for patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to study small vessel disease, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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.