Tau-related blood flow problems in Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer Pathology and Neurovascular Dysfunction
Researchers are looking at whether the tau protein causes tiny blood vessels in the brain to fail, which may worsen memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer's and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11253932 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, this work uses high-resolution imaging and laboratory models to see how tau protein affects tiny blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to active brain regions. Scientists are following the signaling chain that normally links neuron activity to blood flow—focusing on NMDA receptors, nitric oxide, and tPA—to understand how tau breaks that link. Most experiments are lab-based using animal models and brain tissue to map the problem and test ways to restore proper blood flow. The goal is to reveal mechanisms that could be targeted to protect brain energy supply during the abnormal brain activity seen in dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, tau-related disorders, or early memory decline would be the most relevant candidates for clinical follow-up or sample donation tied to this work.
Not a fit: People without tau-related pathology or those whose cognitive problems are due to non-neurological causes are unlikely to benefit from findings focused on tau-driven blood flow failure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new ways to protect or restore brain blood flow and slow memory and thinking decline in Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that tau can disrupt blood-flow responses in animal models, but translating these findings into proven treatments for patients has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iadecola, Costantino — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Iadecola, Costantino
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.