Understanding how changes in brain cells affect white matter disease and cognitive decline.
Official title: Altered microglia states and microglia-endothelial cell axis in relation to white matter disease progression in VCID
Funded at University of Edinburgh · NIH-10930972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in brain immune cells might affect blood vessel health and contribute to problems with thinking and memory, especially in people with white matter disease and vascular cognitive impairment, to help us understand how to keep the brain healthy as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Edinburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburgh, United Kingdom) |
| Project start | September 18, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $505,509 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134015-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930972 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or experiencing vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, particularly those with white matter abnormalities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cognitive impairments not related to vascular issues or those with other forms of dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between altered states of brain immune cells (microglia) and the health of blood vessels in the brain, particularly in relation to white matter disease and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). By examining human brain tissues and conducting studies in animal models, the research aims to uncover how these cellular interactions contribute to cognitive decline. The team will explore how microglia respond to changes in blood flow and how these responses may influence brain health and function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia in patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microglia in brain health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, United Kingdom Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Horsburgh, Karen — University of Edinburgh
- Study coordinator: Horsburgh, Karen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Altered microglia states and their link to white matter disease in VCID
A study to understand how brain immune cells called microglia interact with blood vessels to cause white matter damage and cognitive decline in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID).
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Altered microglia states and their link to white matter disease in VCID
A study in brain tissue and animal models will explore how microglia and blood vessels interact to drive white matter damage and cognitive problems in vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID).
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How immune brain cells and blood vessel lining affect white matter damage in vascular cognitive impairment
This project looks at whether changes in brain immune cells (microglia) and the cells lining small blood vessels contribute to white matter damage and thinking problems in people with vascular-related cognitive decline.
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Tracking protein markers to spot memory decline before dementia
A large, international study will look for blood and brain protein signals that rise before dementia shows up in people as young as their 70s and 80s, to help identify risk early.
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Tracking blood protein signals that predict memory and brain changes before dementia
Looking for patterns in thousands of blood proteins and established Alzheimer's markers in older adults to spot early memory and brain changes before dementia begins.
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How brain immune cells and blood-vessel cells affect white matter damage in vascular cognitive decline
It looks at whether changes in brain immune cells (microglia) and their interactions with blood-vessel cells lead to white matter damage and memory problems in people with vascular cognitive impairment and dementia.
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.