Understanding how blood flow in the brain changes in health and Alzheimer's disease
Vascular Signaling Plasticity - Novel Concepts and Tools for Studying Neurovascular Interactions in Health and Disease
This study is looking at how the brain changes its blood flow to keep up with its energy needs, especially in people with Alzheimer's disease, to help find new ways to support brain health and function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10002378 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain's blood flow adjusts to meet its energy needs, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on a phenomenon called vascular signaling plasticity (VSP), which is the brain's ability to adapt blood flow based on neuronal activity. By using advanced imaging techniques in awake animals, researchers aim to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind VSP and how they are altered in Alzheimer's. This could lead to new insights into maintaining brain health and function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for improving blood flow and neuronal health in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the concept of vascular signaling plasticity is relatively novel, similar research has shown promising results in understanding blood flow dynamics in other neurological conditions.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longden, Thomas a — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Longden, Thomas a
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.