Neuroinflammation as a Target to Protect Thinking in Heart Failure Patients
Official title: Neuroinflammation as a Therapeutic Target in Heart Failure-Related Cognitive Decline: A Feasibility PET Study
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11439425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small feasibility study will test whether a brain scan can show that a heart-failure treatment reduces brain inflammation and protects thinking skills in people with heart failure and cognitive concerns.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $436,001 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG102953-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with heart failure who show signs of cognitive impairment or are at risk for vascular cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without heart failure or cognitive concerns are unlikely to benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project will use a new PET brain scan to measure inflammation in people with heart failure who also have or are at risk for cognitive problems. We will look at the effects of sacubitril-valsartan on brain inflammation by imaging with the [11C]PS13 radioligand, aiming to link inflammation changes with cognitive outcomes. If successful, the study will set the stage for larger trials to prevent or slow vascular-related cognitive decline in cardiovascular disease. Participation will involve brain imaging and standard clinical assessments over a defined period. The work is designed to generate proof-of-concept data on whether reducing brain inflammation could protect cognition in heart failure patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Finding a way to reduce brain inflammation could help preserve memory and thinking in people with heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous observational data suggest anti-inflammatory effects may link to better cognitive outcomes, but this specific imaging approach is an early, feasibility step.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kalogeropoulos, Andreas — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Kalogeropoulos, Andreas
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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.