The Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Program

Vanderbilt Memory & Aging Project

['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11085290

This program looks at how heart health affects brain changes and memory in older adults, particularly those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorVANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11085290 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This program aims to understand how heart and blood vessel health might contribute to changes in the brain and memory as people get older. Previous work has shown that subtle changes in heart function can be linked to worse memory and changes in brain structure, especially in areas affected by Alzheimer's disease. Researchers believe that the body's natural ways of protecting blood flow to the brain become less effective with age, making the brain more vulnerable. They are particularly interested in how these connections might be stronger in individuals with a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, even before memory problems become obvious.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 60 and older, including those with and without memory concerns, and those with a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate therapeutic interventions for advanced Alzheimer's disease may not directly benefit from this foundational research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could help us understand early risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and dementia, potentially leading to new ways to prevent or treat these conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous phases of this program have successfully enrolled participants and published findings that support the central ideas being explored.

Where this research is happening

NASHVILLE, 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 →

Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia

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.