Pointer Neurovascular Extension in Alzheimer’s risk
Official title: The POINTER Neurovascular Extension Study
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11429540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study will follow people at risk for Alzheimer’s to see if a structured lifestyle program helps brain health by improving blood flow and nervous system function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,658,097 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG102594-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias who completed prior POINTER-NV assessments or are eligible for the extended follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for AD/ADRD or not eligible for the extended POINTER-NV follow-up may not benefit.
What this research studies
This opportunity builds on a large lifestyle program for older adults at risk of AD/ADRD and adds a 4-year follow-up focused on neurovascular health. Researchers will track autonomic function, blood vessel health, and cognitive changes to see if benefits from the structured lifestyle plan persist after the active period. Participants who were enrolled in the POINTER-NV ancillary study will have extended assessments to understand long-term impact and which healthy behaviors matter most. The study is conducted at Wake Forest University Health Sciences under a multi-year NIH grant and will involve ongoing monitoring and testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could clarify how lifestyle choices help protect brain health and guide recommendations for people at risk of Alzheimer’s.
How similar studies have gone: Prior POINTER findings showed cognitive benefits with structured lifestyle support and neurovascular improvements, supporting further follow-up.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaltout, Hossam — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Shaltout, Hossam
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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.