Investigating eye imaging for diagnosing a rare genetic form of dementia
Official title: Retinal biomarkers in monogenic vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11085025 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for people with a specific genetic mutation related to CADASIL, a rare condition that affects thinking and memory, to see if eye scans can help track how the disease progresses and improve treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,277,294 |
| NIH project number | 1U01FD008399-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085025 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who carry the autosomal dominant gene mutation for CADASIL.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without the CADASIL gene mutation or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on individuals with a specific genetic mutation linked to a rare form of vascular cognitive impairment known as CADASIL. By enrolling 180 participants, the study aims to explore how retinal imaging can serve as a diagnostic and monitoring tool for this condition. The research will track the progression of symptoms from early stages to dementia, providing insights that could enhance understanding of vascular dementia as a whole. This approach is unique as it targets a single-gene disorder, potentially leading to more precise treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic methods and monitoring strategies for patients with CADASIL and related vascular dementias.
How similar studies have gone: This research is novel and aims to fill a gap in understanding a specific genetic form of vascular dementia, although similar approaches have shown promise in other neurodegenerative conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paulsen, Jane S — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Paulsen, Jane S
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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.