Investigating how blood vessel function affects dementia in older adults
Official title: Role of Endothelial K+ Channels in Age-Related Dementia
Funded at Loma Linda University · NIH-11089456 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with blood vessels in the brain might lead to memory issues as we get older, like in Alzheimer's disease, and it’s using mice to find out how these blood flow problems develop, which could help us discover new ways to treat or prevent dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Loma Linda University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Loma Linda, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $591,194 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG073230-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089456 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without any signs of cognitive decline are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how dysfunction in the blood vessels of the brain contributes to age-related cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease. By studying mouse models, the researchers aim to clarify the mechanisms by which blood flow issues arise and worsen with age and disease progression. The study will explore specific potassium channels in endothelial cells that play a crucial role in regulating blood flow to the brain. This comprehensive approach may help identify new targets for treatment and prevention strategies for dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve blood flow in the brain and potentially slow down or prevent the progression of dementia in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of blood vessel function in dementia, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Behringer, Erik J. — Loma Linda University
- Study coordinator: Behringer, Erik J.
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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.