Investigating how cellular aging affects small vessel disease and cognitive decline after stroke, particularly in older adults.
Official title: Cellular senescence as a potential sex-specific driver of small vessel disease and post-stroke cognitive impairment in late adulthood
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11187137 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how aging cells affect brain health and thinking skills after a stroke, especially in older women, to find ways to help improve recovery and prevent further decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $195,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG089655-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187137 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, especially women, who have experienced a stroke and are facing cognitive challenges.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or do not exhibit cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of cellular senescence on small vessel disease and cognitive impairment following a stroke, focusing on differences between sexes. It aims to understand how stroke accelerates brain aging and the mechanisms that lead to cognitive decline, particularly in older women who may experience worse outcomes. The study will utilize both human data and animal models to investigate the long-term effects of stroke and small vessel disease on brain health. By identifying these relationships, the research seeks to uncover potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments and interventions for stroke survivors, particularly women, enhancing their cognitive health and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that understanding the mechanisms of stroke and aging can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ritzel, Rodney — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Ritzel, Rodney
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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.