Understanding how aging affects blood vessel function in the brain and its link to dementia.
Cerebrovascular Mitochondrial Function in Aging and Ischemic Injury
This study is looking into why older adults are more likely to develop vascular diseases that can affect their thinking and memory, especially conditions like Alzheimer's, by exploring how problems in the tiny blood vessels in the brain can lead to inflammation and damage that harm brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904737 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the reasons older adults are more susceptible to vascular diseases that can lead to cognitive decline and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The study focuses on how mitochondrial dysfunction in brain blood vessels contributes to inflammation and damage to the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for maintaining cognitive health. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover the relationship between cerebrovascular health and cognitive function in aging individuals. The research will utilize both natural aging models and models of vascular dementia to explore these connections.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or vascular dementia.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without any cognitive impairment or vascular health issues may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cognitive decline in older adults by targeting vascular health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of vascular health in cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tyrrell, Daniel — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Tyrrell, Daniel
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.