Understanding how blood vessel health affects bone strength in older adults
Official title: Vascular Mechanisms Underlying Skeletal Fragility in Older Adults
Funded at Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged · NIH-10991686 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood vessel health affects bone strength in older adults to see if problems with blood flow can increase the risk of fractures, with the hope of finding ways to help prevent breaks as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $582,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG065299-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991686 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who may be experiencing vascular issues or are at risk for osteoporosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any vascular or bone health concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between vascular health and skeletal fragility in older adults. It aims to determine if vascular dysfunction contributes to the risk of fractures by using advanced imaging techniques to assess blood flow and bone structure. By examining the effects of vascular impairments on bone microarchitecture, the study seeks to uncover mechanisms that may lead to increased fracture risk. The ultimate goal is to enhance our understanding of how aging impacts both the vascular system and bone health, potentially leading to better prevention strategies for fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing fractures in older adults by targeting vascular health.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies linking vascular disease to osteoporosis, this research is novel in its comprehensive approach to directly investigate the mechanisms of vascular dysfunction on bone health.
Where this research is happening
-
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samelson, Elizabeth J — Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged
- Study coordinator: Samelson, Elizabeth J
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.