Investigating how white matter changes after a stroke affect thinking skills in older adults

Post-stroke normal appearing white matter diffusion properties and cognitive trajectories across age

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11014350

This study is looking at how changes in the brain after a stroke can affect thinking skills in older adults, especially in women and Black individuals, to help us understand the risk of Alzheimer's and similar conditions, and participants will have some brain scans to track these changes over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-11014350 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how changes in the brain's white matter after a stroke can impact cognitive abilities, particularly in older adults. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to identify specific brain changes that correlate with cognitive decline and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The research will also explore these effects in diverse populations, including women and Black individuals, who may face greater health disparities. Participants may undergo imaging tests to assess their brain's structure and function over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who have experienced a stroke and may be at risk for cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients who have not had a stroke or those with pre-existing severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cognitive decline in stroke survivors, particularly among older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between brain structure and cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, 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 2026-06-13 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.