MRI markers of blood vessel disease in CADASIL versus normal aging
Non-Invasive MRI Markers to Elicit the Role of Vascular Disease in CADASIL Compared to Normal Aging
This project uses advanced MRI scans to find blood vessel-related brain changes in people who carry the CADASIL gene and compares them with normal aging.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299478 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get non-invasive MRI scans that measure brain structure, blood flow, and newer markers of small blood vessel health. The study enrolls people with the Notch3 mutation that causes CADASIL, from those without symptoms through those with cognitive decline, and compares them to people experiencing normal aging and Alzheimer-related changes. Researchers will analyze how vascular damage links to brain tissue loss and thinking problems over time. The goal is to identify MRI features that show early vascular injury before major damage occurs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a confirmed Notch3 (CADASIL) mutation — including asymptomatic carriers and those with cognitive symptoms — are the main candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People without CADASIL or without signs of vascular-related cognitive problems may not receive direct benefits from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect vascular brain injury earlier and guide treatments or monitoring to slow cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous MRI studies have shown brain damage in CADASIL and small vessel disease, but using advanced non-invasive MRI markers to detect early vascular dysfunction is a newer and promising approach.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenmenger, Laura Burns — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Eisenmenger, Laura Burns
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.