Investigating how aortic stiffness affects brain health and cognitive function in middle-aged individuals
Official title: Aortic stiffness, wave reflection, and cerebrovascular flow pulsatility: relations with brain small vessel disease and cognitive function in a middle-aged cohort
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10662819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stiff arteries and changes in blood flow might affect brain health and memory in middle-aged adults, with the goal of understanding how these issues could increase the risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,067,003 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG079390-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10662819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged individuals who may be experiencing early signs of cognitive decline or have risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than middle age or those without any cardiovascular risk factors may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between aortic stiffness, wave reflection, and blood flow in the brain, particularly focusing on how these factors contribute to small vessel disease and cognitive decline in middle-aged adults. By examining the hemodynamic mechanisms involved, the study aims to identify how increased aortic stiffness may lead to damage in the brain's small vessels, potentially increasing the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Participants may undergo assessments of their cardiovascular health and cognitive function to better understand these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline associated with aging and vascular health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing aortic stiffness may have beneficial effects on brain health, suggesting that this approach could yield meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramachandran, Vasan S — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Ramachandran, Vasan 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.