Investigating the links between heart health and Alzheimer's disease in older adults
Official title: Cognitive Impairment and Dementia, Vascular Brain Injury, and Atrial Myopathy: Implications for Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10814076 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart problems, especially in people over 85, might affect thinking and memory, and it aims to find easy ways to spot these issues early so we can better understand and help those at risk for dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $4,390,219 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS135615-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10814076 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 85 and above, particularly those with or at risk for cognitive impairment or dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 85 years old or do not have any cognitive impairment or dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how heart-related issues, specifically atrial myopathy, contribute to cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, particularly those over 85 years old. The study aims to identify non-invasive markers that can help detect the presence and progression of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia. By examining the relationship between heart function and cognitive health, the research seeks to uncover risk factors that differ in the oldest-old population compared to younger age groups. Participants may undergo assessments related to heart health and cognitive function to help advance knowledge in this area.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and treatments for Alzheimer's disease-related dementias in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between cardiovascular health and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Lin Yee — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Chen, Lin Yee
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Linked to Heart Health and Atrial Disease
Researchers are studying how heart-related changes and atrial problems may signal or influence dementia risk in adults, with a focus on preventing Alzheimer's and related dementias.
-
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PNA5 for VCID and Alzheimer's Dementias: A first-in-human safety study
A first-in-human trial tests a new drug, PNA5, to see if it is safe and tolerable for adults with vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's-related dementias.
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Global picture of dementia and Alzheimer’s risk across populations
A large international effort gathers health data from many cohorts to understand what increases or lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease around the world.
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Global patterns of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's dementia
Bringing together memory-study data from around the world to find lifestyle and environmental factors people can change to lower the risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
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A brain-boosting peptide to help people at risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
A new drug-like peptide (PNA5) is being studied to reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow in people at risk for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's-related dementia.
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.