Investigating how blood vessel dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Contribution of endothelin 1 mediated ischemic vascular dysfunction to Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10995783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how issues with blood flow in the brain might contribute to memory problems in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it aims to find new ways to help prevent or treat the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F30AG089943-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995783 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 dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Alzheimer's related cognitive impairments or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how problems with blood flow in the brain may lead to cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It examines the relationship between neurovascular coupling, which is the process that increases blood flow in response to brain activity, and the presence of amyloid beta, a protein associated with AD. By studying animal models, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind vascular dysfunction and its impact on brain health over time. The findings could help identify new targets for treatment and prevention strategies for AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches that improve blood flow in the brain and slow down cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that addressing vascular dysfunction can improve outcomes in other neurological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodruff, Simone — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Woodruff, Simone
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.