Understanding how blood vessel changes in the brain relate to Alzheimer's disease
Vascular Imaging Biomarker Relationships to Alzheimer’s disease (VIBRA)
This project aims to better understand how changes in tiny brain blood vessels connect to Alzheimer's disease and related memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193483 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking at how changes in the brain's small blood vessels might contribute to Alzheimer's disease and other memory issues. Currently, it's hard to accurately measure these tiny vessel changes from brain scans, which means they are often overlooked in Alzheimer's research. Our team is developing new computer-based tools that use advanced imaging to precisely identify and measure these vessel changes, like microbleeds and white matter spots. By using these new tools across many different patient groups, we hope to get a clearer picture of how vascular health impacts Alzheimer's.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for older adults concerned about Alzheimer's disease, memory decline, or those with existing cerebral small vessel disease.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing memory concerns or those without risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at risk for Alzheimer's earlier and lead to new ways to prevent or delay the disease by focusing on vascular health.
How similar studies have performed: While the link between vascular health and Alzheimer's is known, this project uses novel, advanced computer methods to quantify small vessel disease, offering a more precise and comprehensive approach than previous studies.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Habes, Mohamad — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Habes, Mohamad
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.