The link between arterial stiffness and brain health in African Americans
Arterial Stiffness and Brain Health in African Americans
This study is looking at how stiff arteries might impact brain health, especially in African Americans, to see if it plays a role in memory problems and Alzheimer's disease, and it will involve around 2,700 people aged 41 to 104 from the Jackson Heart Study.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10398882 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how arterial stiffness may affect brain health, particularly focusing on cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in African Americans. It aims to understand the relationship between arterial stiffness and brain microvasculature, which could contribute to cognitive decline and increased risk of dementia. The study will involve approximately 2,700 participants aged 41 to 104 from the Jackson Heart Study, utilizing non-invasive measurements of arterial stiffness and existing health data. By examining these factors, the research seeks to uncover potential reasons for the higher rates of Alzheimer's disease in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults aged 41 years and older, particularly those with risk factors such as hypertension or type 2 diabetes.
Not a fit: Patients who are not African American or those under 41 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potentially new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease in African Americans.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on arterial stiffness and brain health in African Americans is novel, related studies have shown promising results in understanding cardiovascular health's impact on cognitive function.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyer, Michelle — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Meyer, Michelle
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.