Neutrophils and blood flow in vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Neutrophil-driven vascular inflammation in VCID and Mixed Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11597294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how immune cells called neutrophils affect blood flow and brain inflammation in aging people with VCID and Alzheimer’s disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $410,710 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS141137-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11597294 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with VCID or Alzheimer’s-related cognitive impairment and who may contribute samples or participate in future translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without VCID or Alzheimer’s disease would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models to watch blood flow in the brain over time and to see how neutrophils respond to reduced blood flow and Alzheimer’s pathology. It will measure capillary blockages, blood-brain barrier changes, and vascular inflammation, and it will map how neutrophils behave as the disease progresses. The team will also examine neutrophil subtypes through single-cell sequencing to identify which cells may drive worsening of the disease. Overall, the work aims to reveal when neutrophils become activated and how they contribute to neurodegeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new targets to reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow in people with VCID and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in mouse models suggest neutrophils can worsen blood flow and inflammation, supporting potential translational value, though human data remain limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bracko, Oliver — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Bracko, Oliver
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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.