The link between blood vessel health and Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Vasculo-neuronal pathophysiological interface in Alzheimer’s and Atherosclerosis
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11020034 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how heart and blood vessel problems, like narrowed arteries, might make Alzheimer's disease worse, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how blood flow affects brain health in people with Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $4,815,513 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS139949-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020034 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who also have cardiovascular conditions like atherosclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Alzheimer's disease or significant cardiovascular issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, contribute to the worsening of Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on understanding the impact of narrowed blood vessels and plaque ruptures on brain function and cognitive decline. By studying the brain vasculature in mice with Alzheimer's pathology, the research aims to uncover specific vulnerabilities and changes in blood flow that may exacerbate cognitive impairment. The findings could lead to new insights into how vascular health influences Alzheimer's disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients by targeting vascular health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing vascular health can positively impact cognitive function in Alzheimer's patients, suggesting that this approach may be promising.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Iruela-Arispe, M. Luisa — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Iruela-Arispe, M. Luisa
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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.