Investigating enlarged perivascular spaces as indicators of Alzheimer's disease and vascular health.
Enlarged Perivascular Spaces as Markers of Vascular and Alzheimer pathology: predictors, pathophysiology and clinical consequences
This study is looking at how enlarged spaces around blood vessels in the brain might show problems with the brain's cleaning system, which could help us understand the risk of Alzheimer's disease and strokes, especially as we age or based on our gender.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10606482 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS) in the brain, visible through MRI, may indicate dysfunction in the glymphatic system, which is responsible for clearing harmful substances like beta-amyloid associated with Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing MRI scans from over 7,000 participants in the Framingham Heart Study, the research aims to uncover the relationship between ePVS, vascular health, and the risk of developing dementia and stroke. The study will also explore how age and sex influence these relationships, potentially leading to new preventive strategies and treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 19 to 101 who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or have vascular health concerns.
Not a fit: Patients with no risk factors for Alzheimer's disease or vascular issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease and vascular-related cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using MRI markers like ePVS to understand Alzheimer's disease and vascular health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romero, Jose Rafael — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Romero, Jose Rafael
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.