Understanding how high blood pressure affects small blood vessels in the brain and leads to cognitive decline.
Molecular and Physiological Mechanisms of Hypertensive Cerebral Microangiopathy
This study is looking at how high blood pressure affects brain health and can lead to memory problems and dementia in older adults, especially those who have had a brain bleed; by comparing their brain scans to those of healthy seniors, researchers hope to find new ways to help prevent or treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10834965 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of hypertensive cerebral small vessel disease (HTN-cSVD) on brain health, particularly focusing on how it contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. By analyzing a unique group of patients who have survived a hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that link vascular dysfunction to brain tissue damage. Advanced MRI techniques will be used to assess blood vessel health and function, comparing these findings with those from healthy older adults. The goal is to identify potential pathways for developing targeted therapies to prevent or treat cognitive decline associated with high blood pressure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who have experienced a hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage but do not currently have dementia.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or those with advanced dementia may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive or therapeutic strategies for cognitive decline and dementia in older adults with high blood pressure.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding vascular contributions to cognitive impairment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gurol, Mahmut Edip — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gurol, Mahmut Edip
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 below.