Restoring Brain Blood Vessel Health with Factors from Young Blood

Cerebromicrovascular rejuvenation by heterochronic blood exchange

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR · NIH-11092925

This research explores how factors found in young blood might help improve brain blood vessel function in older individuals, aiming to prevent memory and thinking problems.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HLTH SCIENCES CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11092925 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

As we age, the tiny blood vessels in our brain can become less healthy, which can contribute to memory and thinking difficulties. This project is exploring whether certain beneficial factors found in younger blood could help rejuvenate these aging brain blood vessels. Researchers are focusing on specific biological pathways, like the NAD+/SIRT1 system and IGF-1 levels, which are important for cell health and function. By understanding how these factors work, the goal is to improve blood flow and reduce stress in brain vessels. Ultimately, this could help maintain brain health and prevent age-related cognitive decline.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for older adults, particularly those experiencing or at risk for age-related memory and thinking problems linked to brain blood vessel health.

Not a fit: Patients whose cognitive impairment is not related to brain blood vessel dysfunction or aging may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that restore healthy brain blood flow and prevent or reduce vascular cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies in animal models and cell cultures using blood from younger individuals have shown promising signs of reversing age-related changes in blood vessels.

Where this research is happening

OKLAHOMA CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.