The relationship 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 affect brain health, especially for African Americans who are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease, and it will use a simple test to measure artery stiffness while considering factors like diabetes and high blood pressure.
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-10614288 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how arterial stiffness may affect brain health, particularly in African Americans who are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By measuring arterial stiffness through a non-invasive method called pulse wave velocity, the study aims to understand its impact on cognitive impairment and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The research will utilize data from a large cohort of African Americans, focusing on the roles of sex, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension in these associations. Participants will be drawn from the Jackson Heart Study, which has a wealth of existing health data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults aged 41-104 years, 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 of age may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new strategies for preventing or managing 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, similar 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.