Understanding how a genetic condition affects cognitive decline and dementia.
Official title: Unraveling the earliest phases of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia using CADASIL--a monogenic form of small vessel cerebrovascular disease
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10317234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood vessel health affects thinking and memory in people with CADASIL, a rare genetic condition, and it includes both those who have early signs of cognitive issues and those with more advanced symptoms, to help us understand how these problems develop over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $13,828,710 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG074608-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10317234 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with CADASIL or those who are presymptomatic carriers of the NOTCH3 gene mutation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CADASIL or those who do not have a family history of the condition may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between vascular health and cognitive impairment, specifically focusing on individuals with CADASIL, a rare genetic disorder. By enrolling participants who carry the NOTCH3 gene mutation, the study aims to explore the progression of vascular dementia from early symptoms to advanced stages. The approach includes examining both presymptomatic carriers and those with mixed dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, to gain insights into the complexities of these conditions. The findings could lead to a better understanding of how vascular issues contribute to cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.
How similar studies have gone: This research is novel as it focuses specifically on a single-gene model of vascular dementia, although similar studies have shown promise in understanding mixed dementias.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paulsen, Jane S — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Paulsen, Jane S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Early vascular-related thinking and memory changes in CADASIL
This project looks at how the NOTCH3 (CADASIL) gene leads to early blood-vessel-related thinking and memory changes by following people from before symptoms through dementia.
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Global picture of dementia risk and memory loss across the world
A large international effort gathers data from many studies to understand how dementia and memory problems develop around the world, using shared information to reveal patterns and risk factors.
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GPR39-based treatment approach for aging-related brain vascular dementia
A new drug-style compound that activates GPR39 in the brain is being studied to help people with vascular dementia linked to aging.
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Imaging tiny brain vessels to understand vascular dementia
A doctor-scientist is testing a high-resolution brain MRI method to see tiny blood vessels and blood flow in people with vascular cognitive impairment and related dementias.
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PNA5 for VCID and Alzheimer's Dementias: A first-in-human safety study
A first-in-human trial tests a new drug, PNA5, to see if it is safe and tolerable for adults with vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's-related dementias.
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Insomnia, Depression, and Sleep Medications in Mild Cognitive Impairment Leading to Dementia
This project looks at how sleep problems and depression, along with the medicines used to treat them, may affect the progression from mild cognitive issues to dementia in older adults.
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.