Investigating how herpes zoster affects the risk of vascular dementia
Official title: Pathogenic exosomes during herpes zoster mediate increased vascular dementia risk
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10806533 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how shingles might be connected to a higher risk of developing vascular dementia, and it’s for anyone who has had shingles and wants to understand more about its potential long-term effects on brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $651,387 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG085406-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10806533 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced herpes zoster and are at risk for vascular dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had herpes zoster or do not have risk factors for vascular dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the link between herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, and the increased risk of developing vascular dementia. It focuses on understanding how the varicella zoster virus (VZV) can lead to vascular issues that may contribute to dementia. By analyzing plasma exosomes from patients with acute zoster, the study aims to identify specific proteins that could indicate a higher risk for vascular dementia. The approach combines clinical observations with laboratory analyses to uncover the underlying mechanisms connecting VZV and dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing vascular dementia in individuals with a history of herpes zoster.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a potential link between viral infections and dementia risk, suggesting that this research could build on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bubak, Andrew N — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bubak, Andrew N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Pathogenic exosomes in shingles and their link to vascular dementia
A study explores how tiny particles shed during shingles may raise the risk of vascular dementia in people, with potential to inform prevention.
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Shingles-related blood particles that may raise vascular dementia risk
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This work looks at whether blocking an artery-cell channel called Panx1 can help older men and women have less brain damage and dementia after an ischemic stroke.
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How blood vessel problems contribute to dementia
Researchers are looking at how blood vessel problems in the heart and brain may lead to dementia in people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s.
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.