NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how changes in blood pressure may contribute to dementia.

Official title: Epidemiologic, imaging and pathological studies of the role of blood pressure variability in dementia etiology

Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11075259 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changes in blood pressure might affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, and it’s for people who want to help us understand this connection better by sharing their health information.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHarvard School of Public Health
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2021
Project endFebruary 28, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$227,101
NIH project number5R00AG071742-05
Project IDNIH-11075259 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who have experienced fluctuations in blood pressure and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.

Less likely to help

Patients with stable blood pressure and no risk factors for dementia may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between blood pressure variability and the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing data from multiple cohort studies in the US and Europe, the project aims to quantify how fluctuations in blood pressure over time may influence dementia risk. The study will also investigate the biological mechanisms that link blood pressure changes to dementia, potentially leading to new prevention strategies. Patients may be involved in providing data or participating in assessments related to their blood pressure and cognitive health.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by managing blood pressure variability.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a potential link between blood pressure variability and cardiovascular health, but this specific approach to Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Harvard School of Public Health
    Boston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Ma, Yuan — Harvard School of Public Health
  • Study coordinator: Ma, Yuan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.