Understanding how a genetic condition affects cognitive decline and dementia.

Unraveling the earliest phases of vascular cognitive impairment and dementia using CADASIL--a monogenic form of small vessel cerebrovascular disease

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10317234

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10317234 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with CADASIL or those who are presymptomatic carriers of the NOTCH3 gene mutation.

Not a fit: Patients without CADASIL or those who do not have a family history of the condition may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer diseaseAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's disease dementiaAlzheimers disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.