Improving Brain Blood Flow in Vascular Dementia
Targeting RBC dysfunction in VCID
['FUNDING_R01'] · AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY · NIH-11162321
This project looks at how red blood cells affect blood flow in the brain for people with vascular dementia and white matter damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11162321 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We believe that problems with red blood cells, especially as we age, can lead to reduced blood flow in the brain, causing damage to the brain's white matter and affecting thinking abilities. This work explores if we can improve these red blood cell issues through physical exercise or a technique called chronic remote ischemic conditioning (C-RIC), which mimics exercise. We are first learning more about how red blood cells contribute to brain damage and thinking problems in animal models. Then, we will see if exercise or C-RIC can help improve these outcomes in animals. Finally, we will see if C-RIC can improve red blood cell health markers in people with vascular dementia and white matter disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with vascular cognitive impairment and white matter disease who are interested in exploring non-pharmacological interventions like exercise or remote ischemic conditioning might be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose cognitive impairment is not related to vascular issues or red blood cell dysfunction may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to protect brain health and improve thinking skills for individuals living with vascular dementia.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on red blood cell dysfunction in VCID is an unexplored area, exercise and ischemic conditioning have shown promise in other areas of vascular health.
Where this research is happening
AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES
- AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY — AUGUSTA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HESS, DAVID C. — AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: HESS, DAVID C.
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.