Understanding blood flow and brain health related to dementia
Official title: Vascular hemodynamics and markers of preclinical and subclinical vascular brain injury and dementia
Funded at Vassar College · NIH-11003670 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood flow in the brain might be connected to early signs of dementia and other brain issues, using special scans to help us understand how brain health and blood vessel health are linked, especially for people who might be at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vassar College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Poughkeepsie, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $146,459 |
| NIH project number | 5K01HL161494-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003670 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for dementia, particularly those with cardiovascular issues or a family history of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced dementia or those without any vascular risk factors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blood flow dynamics in the brain may relate to early signs of dementia and vascular brain injury. It involves advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans to assess brain health and vascular conditions. The project aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between vascular health and cognitive decline, particularly in populations at risk. The research will also provide training for the investigator to become an independent researcher in this critical area.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved early detection and prevention strategies for dementia and related vascular conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the link between vascular health and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cooper, Leroy Leon — Vassar College
- Study coordinator: Cooper, Leroy Leon
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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.