Investigating the link between sleep, brain cells, and Alzheimer's disease
Sleep, Pericytes, and Alzheimer's Disease
This study is looking at how sleep impacts certain brain cells that help keep your brain healthy, especially in relation to Alzheimer's disease, to see if better sleep can help protect these cells and possibly slow down the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11212206 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores how sleep affects the health of specific brain cells called pericytes, which play a crucial role in maintaining blood flow and the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. By examining the relationship between sleep disturbances and Alzheimer's disease, the study aims to uncover whether improving sleep can protect these cells and potentially delay the onset of Alzheimer's. The research utilizes advanced techniques to analyze brain function and cellular behavior in relation to sleep patterns. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing sleep disturbances and those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without sleep issues may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new approaches for delaying or preventing Alzheimer's disease by improving sleep quality.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on pericytes in relation to sleep and Alzheimer's is novel, previous research has shown promising results in understanding the protective effects of sleep on brain health.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Meng — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Liu, Meng
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 below.