Understanding how atherosclerosis affects cognitive impairment and dementia
Official title: Mechanisms of cognitive impairment caused by atherosclerosis and red blood cell released ATP
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10945013 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the buildup of plaque in arteries, which can happen with atherosclerosis, might affect memory and thinking skills, especially in people with Alzheimer's, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how diet and blood health could help prevent or treat dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $835,288 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS139128-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945013 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for or diagnosed with cognitive impairment or dementia, particularly those with a history of vascular disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cognitive impairment or those not affected by vascular diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaques in arteries, contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. The study utilizes both animal models and human samples to explore how red blood cell-released ATP may play a role in this process. By examining the effects of a high-fat diet on genetically modified mice, the researchers aim to uncover the relationship between vascular health and cognitive function, which could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential treatments for cognitive impairment and dementia related to vascular diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between vascular health and cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although the specific mechanisms being studied are less explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: He, Pingnian — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: He, Pingnian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how blood vessel disease affects thinking and memory
Aims to find out why blocked brain vessels and RBC signals hurt memory and thinking, using mouse models and human samples to help people with Alzheimer's-related dementia.
-
Understanding how blood vessel problems and red blood cells affect memory and thinking
This research explores how conditions like atherosclerosis and certain substances from red blood cells might lead to memory and thinking problems, including those related to Alzheimer's disease.
-
How carotid artery disease affects cognitive decline and Alzheimer's risk
This study is looking at how problems with the carotid arteries in your neck might affect thinking and memory, especially in people at risk for Alzheimer's, and it will explore whether surgery to fix these artery issues could help improve brain function.
-
Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)
A computer-based brain training program is being tested to help people with mild cognitive impairment maintain thinking skills and daily functioning.
-
Coronary disease and immune activation in people with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection
This research looks at how having HIV and latent tuberculosis together might raise the risk of heart disease, and what immune changes are involved.
-
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.
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.