Investigating how sex affects brain health in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.

Examining Sex-Specific Effects on White Matter Integrity and Brain Function in Familial Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia

NIH-funded research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11129605

This study is looking at how being male or female affects brain health in people with a family history of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia, and it aims to find ways to spot and treat these conditions earlier to help improve people's lives.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11129605 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the impact of sex on white matter integrity and brain function in individuals with familial Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. By examining the effects of cerebral small vessel disease, the study aims to identify how vascular impairments contribute to cognitive decline and the accumulation of amyloid-beta protein in the brain. The research utilizes hereditary models of these conditions to explore potential diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that could be applied to more common forms of dementia. Early detection and intervention are key goals, as they may improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.

Not a fit: Patients without a familial history of Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between vascular health and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.