Understanding how blood vessel problems and red blood cells affect memory and thinking
Official title: Mechanisms of cognitive impairment caused by atherosclerosis and red blood cell released ATP
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11143229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $818,509 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS139128-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant for individuals concerned about cognitive decline, Alzheimer's disease, or those with vascular conditions like atherosclerosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without vascular disease or cognitive impairment may not directly benefit from the immediate findings of this specific research.
What this research studies
As our population ages, more people are experiencing memory and thinking difficulties, including dementia like Alzheimer's. We know that problems with blood vessels, such as atherosclerosis, are often linked to these cognitive changes, but it's not fully clear how. This project aims to uncover the specific ways that blood vessel disease and a molecule called ATP, released by red blood cells, contribute to cognitive decline. By understanding these connections, we hope to find new ways to prevent and treat these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new ways to prevent or treat cognitive impairment and dementia by targeting specific vascular mechanisms.
How similar studies have gone: While the link between vascular disease and cognitive decline is recognized, the specific mechanisms being explored in this project are largely unknown, making this a novel approach.
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
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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.