Understanding blood vessel function in small vessel disease related to Alzheimer's
Official title: Imaging of cerebral microvascular pulsatility in cerebral small vessel disease
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10983896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny blood vessels in the brain work in people with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, to help us understand how they might affect thinking and memory, and it could lead to better ways to prevent and treat these conditions.
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 | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,346,270 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS139370-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10983896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing cognitive impairment related to small vessel disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of dementia not related to small vessel disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how small blood vessels in the brain behave in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. By examining the pulsatility of these vessels, the study aims to uncover how they may contribute to cognitive decline and other neurological issues. Patients will undergo advanced imaging techniques to assess the health of their cerebral small vessels, which could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for dementia. The goal is to enhance our understanding of vascular health in the brain and its impact on cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and improved treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular contributions to cognitive decline, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yan, Lirong — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Yan, Lirong
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.