Improving brain insulin function to help cognitive issues after stroke
Official title: Targeting brain insulin to improve stroke-related vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia
Funded at Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center · NIH-10950352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how insulin in the brain affects blood vessel health and thinking skills after a stroke, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve brain function for people dealing with memory and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005666-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950352 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a stroke and are showing signs of cognitive impairment or dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or do not exhibit cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how brain insulin levels affect blood vessel function and cognitive impairment following a stroke. It aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) by focusing on a protein that may hinder insulin transport in the brain. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic targets that could improve brain health and cognitive function in affected individuals. The study will utilize advanced imaging techniques and molecular analysis to assess changes in brain insulin signaling and vascular function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function in patients suffering from stroke-related cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting brain insulin in this context is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding vascular contributions to cognitive impairment.
Where this research is happening
-
Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ergul, Adviye — Ralph H Johnson VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ergul, Adviye
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding and reducing cognitive problems after stroke
A study from the University of Michigan aims to see if simple cognitive activities and sleep improvements can lower the risk of developing vascular cognitive impairment and dementia after stroke.
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Post-stroke cognitive decline and dementia: understanding and preventing PSCID
A large NIH project will use real-world data from two million stroke records to better understand how many people develop PSCID and what factors raise that risk, with the goal of guiding prevention and care.
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Memory and thinking problems after a stroke
This project uses hospital and Medicare records to find how often people get memory and thinking problems after a stroke and what raises their risk.
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Understanding cognitive impairment and dementia after a stroke
This study is looking at how strokes can lead to memory and thinking problems, especially in people who have had a stroke, and it aims to find out what factors might increase the risk and whether certain medications can help prevent these issues for stroke survivors.
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BBB Dysfunction after Stroke and Risk for Dementia
A study at Stanford will look at whether inflammation after a stroke leads to leaky blood vessels and later dementia, by following stroke survivors and comparing them with people without stroke.
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Global picture of dementia risk and memory loss across the world
A large international effort gathers data from many studies to understand how dementia and memory problems develop around the world, using shared information to reveal patterns and risk factors.
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.