Understanding Brain Aging and Blood Vessel Health in Alzheimer's Disease
Roles of Gray Matter Brain Aging and Small Vessel Disease in AD Pathophysiology
This long-term effort helps us learn how brain aging and tiny blood vessel changes contribute to Alzheimer's disease and memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11046690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This long-running project follows individuals over many years to understand how Alzheimer's disease develops. We are looking closely at how different aspects of brain aging, including changes in the brain's gray matter and tiny blood vessels, affect the disease's progression. By using advanced brain scans, we can see how these factors relate to the buildup of specific proteins like amyloid-beta and tau, which are hallmarks of Alzheimer's. Our goal is to uncover how these changes lead to memory and thinking difficulties over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This longitudinal project involves a specific cohort of individuals who have been followed for many years, likely including those with and without early signs of Alzheimer's.
Not a fit: Patients not currently part of the established long-term cohort would not directly benefit from participation in this specific phase of the project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of who is at risk for Alzheimer's disease and when, potentially guiding future prevention or early treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Longitudinal studies are a well-established method for tracking disease progression, and previous phases of this specific project have already yielded valuable insights into Alzheimer's biomarkers.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aizenstein, Howard J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Aizenstein, Howard J
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.