Investigating how sex affects brain health in Alzheimer's and vascular dementia.
Official title: Examining Sex-Specific Effects on White Matter Integrity and Brain Function in Familial Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Dementia
Funded at Boston University (Charles River Campus) · NIH-11129605 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $38,991 |
| NIH project number | 5F31NS134277-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129605 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a familial history of Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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 University (Charles River Campus)
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Giudicessi, Averi Jordin — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Giudicessi, Averi Jordin
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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.