Investigating how to repair white matter damage in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia
Official title: White Matter Injury and Repair in Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10630775 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called adiponectin might help improve brain health and thinking skills in people with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia by supporting the repair of important brain cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,357,361 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS131169-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10630775 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline associated with vascular cognitive impairment or dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairment not related to vascular issues or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID), which is a common type of dementia characterized by damage to the brain's white matter. The study aims to understand how to enhance the repair of white matter by protecting and regenerating oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing myelin. Researchers will explore the role of adiponectin, a protein found in the blood, in promoting white matter integrity and improving cognitive function in models of VCID. By examining the effects of adiponectin on white matter health, the research seeks to identify potential therapeutic strategies for patients suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing cognitive function through similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Xiaoming — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hu, Xiaoming
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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.