Investigating microvascular changes in Alzheimer's disease and aging
Official title: Microvascular Neuroimaging in Age-related Alzheimer's Disease and Tauopathies
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11091615 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with tiny blood vessels in the brain might lead to memory loss and Alzheimer's disease in older adults, using special imaging tools to see how brain injuries affect health, and it hopes to find new ways to help people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $121,136 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG070324-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091615 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing memory deficits or those diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-age-related cognitive impairments or those without any signs of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how microvascular dysfunction contributes to Alzheimer's disease and memory loss in aging individuals. Using advanced imaging techniques like dynamic contrast enhanced MRI and laser ablation mass spectrometry, the study aims to explore the effects of trauma-induced microvascular injury on brain health. By examining these relationships, the research seeks to uncover potential mechanisms that accelerate Alzheimer's-related pathology and cognitive decline. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the progression of Alzheimer's disease and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive impairments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding microvascular dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hua, Ning — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Hua, Ning
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.