Understanding how brain stimulation affects blood flow in the brain.
Official title: The mechanisms of cerebral microcirculation response to transcranial stimulation.
Funded at Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-10951932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle electrical stimulation on the scalp can affect blood flow in the brain, which might help improve treatments for different health conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $596,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089266-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with neurological or psychiatric conditions who may benefit from non-invasive brain stimulation therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe neurological impairments or those who are not suitable for electrical stimulation techniques may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), a non-invasive technique that applies low-voltage electric currents to the scalp, on cerebral microcirculation. By examining how tACS influences blood flow and the underlying cellular mechanisms, the study aims to clarify the mixed results seen in previous research. The approach includes using advanced imaging techniques to observe changes in brain activity and blood flow in response to different stimulation parameters. This could lead to optimized stimulation protocols for various medical applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of brain stimulation therapies for conditions like depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar brain stimulation techniques, indicating potential for significant advancements in understanding and treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bragina, Olga a — Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Bragina, Olga a
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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.