Understanding how blood vessel problems contribute to vascular dementia
Official title: Novel regulation of vascular dementia
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11169865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with blood vessels might lead to vascular dementia, a common cause of memory and thinking issues, and it aims to find new ways to help people with this condition by understanding the role of genetics and certain proteins in blood vessel health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $519,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082839-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11169865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with vascular dementia or those at risk due to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis or stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with dementia not related to vascular issues or those with other unrelated cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between vascular dysfunction and vascular dementia (VaD), which is a leading cause of cognitive decline similar to Alzheimer's disease. The study aims to uncover new mechanisms that link issues in blood vessels to cognitive impairments, focusing on genetic risk factors and the role of specific proteins in vascular health. By exploring the relationship between various vascular diseases and dementia, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from these conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that better address the underlying causes of vascular dementia and improve cognitive health in affected patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between vascular health and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Yabing — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Yabing
Related research
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This work looks at whether blocking an artery-cell channel called Panx1 can help older men and women have less brain damage and dementia after an ischemic stroke.
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How blood vessel problems contribute to dementia
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Scale-up of a peptide therapy to help brain blood flow and inflammation in people at risk for Alzheimer’s-related dementias
A small US-based project will scale up manufacturing of a new peptide medicine (PNA5) intended to help people at risk for Alzheimer’s-related dementia and vascular dementia by improving brain blood flow and reducing inflammation.
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.