Improving cognitive function in mice with multi-infarct dementia
Official title: CYP2C11 Overexpression targeting peri-lesion astrocytes to improve cognitive function in mice with multi-infarct dementia
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11116232 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help improve blood flow and reduce inflammation in the brains of mice with multi-infarct dementia, which is a type of memory and thinking problem caused by blood vessel issues, by using a special virus to boost a helpful enzyme in brain cells, and it aims to find the best dose for better brain health and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | May 20, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $431,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS142762-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11116232 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals experiencing cognitive decline associated with multi-infarct dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to vascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to enhance blood flow and reduce inflammation in the brain of mice suffering from multi-infarct dementia, a common type of vascular cognitive impairment. By using a specific virus to increase the production of a beneficial enzyme in brain cells, the study aims to improve cognitive function and overall brain health. The research will involve testing different doses of this treatment to find the most effective one and observing its long-term effects on brain function. This approach focuses on targeting specific brain cells to minimize side effects and maximize therapeutic benefits.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve cognitive function in patients with multi-infarct dementia.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel, similar strategies targeting neuroinflammation and blood flow have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Zhongwu — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Liu, Zhongwu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cognitive Function and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study
A long-term study in South Africa aims to understand how dementia develops and affects people as they age, using harmonized surveys and biomarkers so findings can help people in similar settings.
-
Personalized diets based on gut microbes to help prevent Alzheimer's
Seeing if tailoring healthy diets to a person's gut microbes can help protect thinking and memory in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's.
-
Memory and thinking changes in older South African adults
This project follows adults aged 40 and older in South Africa to track memory, thinking, brain scans, and blood markers related to dementia.
-
Exploring how personalized diets can help prevent Alzheimer's dementia.
This study is looking at how what you eat and the bacteria in your gut might affect your brain health, especially in preventing Alzheimer's, and it’s for people who want to learn how personalized diets could help keep their minds sharp as they age.
-
Daily life and sleep in couples living with early-stage dementia
This project looks at how daily stress and good moments affect sleep, mood, and memory in couples where one partner has early-stage dementia.
-
How caregiving for spouses with Alzheimer's affects cognitive health
This study looks at how taking care of a spouse with Alzheimer's or related conditions affects the health of the caregiver, especially how stress can speed up aging and lead to health problems, and it will explore ways to help caregivers manage their emotions to feel better.
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.