Investigating brain blood flow issues in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Chemogenetic Mouse Models for Cerebral Hypoperfusion and VCID
Funded at Seattle Children's Hospital · NIH-10881262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny blood vessels in the brain can get tighter and slow down blood flow in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find ways to improve this by controlling certain brain cells, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Seattle Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $683,367 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS137365-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who are experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease or related cognitive impairments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how constriction of brain capillaries contributes to reduced blood flow in Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive impairments. By using a novel chemogenetic model, researchers aim to control the contraction of specific brain cells called pericytes, which play a crucial role in regulating blood flow. The study will explore how manipulating these cells can help improve our understanding of cerebral hypoperfusion and its effects on brain health. Patients may benefit from insights gained through this research, which could lead to new treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that improve blood flow in the brains of Alzheimer's patients, potentially alleviating cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using chemogenetic models is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in understanding brain vascular dynamics in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Seattle Children's Hospital
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shih, Andy Y — Seattle Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shih, Andy Y
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.