Investigating how obesity affects brain blood and lymphatic vessels and cognitive function in older adults
Official title: Dysfunction of brain microvascular and lymphatic vessels in obesity-linked cognitive impairment
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11128893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being overweight might affect thinking and memory in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's or dementia, and it hopes to find easy ways to spot early signs of these issues so that better treatments can be developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $801,348 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG089247-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11128893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who are experiencing cognitive decline or have a history of obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have obesity-related cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the relationship between obesity and cognitive impairment in older adults, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. It aims to identify non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and treatment evaluation of cognitive decline linked to obesity. Using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, the study will assess changes in brain blood and lymphatic vessels, neuroinflammation, and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. The findings could lead to better interventions for those affected by obesity-related cognitive issues.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatments for cognitive impairment associated with obesity in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using MRI techniques to study neurovascular changes in relation to cognitive impairment, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Smith, Wanli W — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Smith, Wanli W
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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.