Tiny brain bleeds and walking problems in older adults
Official title: Cerebral microhemorrhages and gait abnormalities in aging
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11192316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether age-related damage in tiny brain blood vessels causes microbleeds that lead to walking, balance, and thinking problems in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $424,355 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG055395-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11192316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults—particularly those with high blood pressure, small-vessel brain disease, frequent falls, or early memory problems—would be the most relevant group for the findings and any related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Younger people, those whose problems stem from large strokes or bleeding disorders, or people with very advanced dementia are less likely to benefit from prevention-focused results.
What this research studies
You would be hearing about work that looks at why small, repeated brain bleeds called cerebral microhemorrhages become more common with age and how they relate to falls and thinking problems. The researchers focus on aging changes in the cells that line tiny brain blood vessels (endothelial cells) that may become 'senescent' and weaken the vessels. Using laboratory and preclinical models, they will study the signals these aged cells release and try interventions that protect vessel integrity. The team aims to identify targets that could lead to ways to prevent microbleeds and reduce falls or vascular memory loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new approaches to prevent tiny brain bleeds and reduce fall risk and vascular-related cognitive decline in older people.
How similar studies have gone: Animal and lab studies targeting senescent cells and vascular aging have shown promising results, but human clinical evidence remains limited and early.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ungvari, Zoltan Istvan — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Ungvari, Zoltan Istvan
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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.