Investigating the link between blood vessel damage and cognitive decline in sickle cell disease
Official title: Neurovascular frataxin and cognitive dysfunction in sickle cell disease
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10935975 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how damage to blood vessels in the brain affects thinking and memory in adults with sickle cell disease, using mice to learn more about the problem and find better ways to help those who struggle with these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 25, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21NS131634-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10935975 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults with sickle cell disease who are experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without sickle cell disease or those who do not exhibit cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how injuries to blood vessels in the brain contribute to cognitive decline in adults with sickle cell disease. It examines the mechanisms behind these injuries, particularly how episodes of low oxygen and subsequent reoxygenation affect brain function. Using a mouse model, the study aims to identify changes in brain structure and function that are linked to cognitive impairments, specifically looking at white matter hyperintensities and their impact on memory and executive functioning. The findings could help develop new strategies to address cognitive issues in patients with sickle cell disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and treatment options for cognitive decline in patients with sickle cell disease.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive decline related to cerebrovascular injuries, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hazra, Rimi — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hazra, Rimi
Related research
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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.