Understanding how high-risk plaque and reduced brain blood flow affect thinking and memory
Official title: Interaction between high-risk atherosclerotic plaque, reduced brain perfusion, and cognitive decline
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11446620 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how advanced carotid plaque and lower brain perfusion may contribute to vascular cognitive impairment and dementia, with a plan to identify patients who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | August 27, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $647,418 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS144133-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11446620 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with carotid or intracranial atherosclerosis and signs of vascular cognitive impairment or mild cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
People without vascular risk factors or cognitive symptoms may not directly benefit from this study.
What this research studies
If you have acquired brain injury or cognitive changes and carotid disease, this study aims to map the ways in which plaque in the neck arteries and reduced brain blood flow contribute to cognitive decline. Researchers will use imaging and clinical data to distinguish thromboembolism-related damage from blood-flow-related changes. The goal is to identify high-risk plaque features early so that future treatments can prevent brain damage and decline in thinking skills. This work could pave the way for personalized monitoring and interventions for people with carotid disease who are experiencing cognitive changes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to earlier detection and targeted strategies to prevent dementia in people with carotid artery disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies linking high-risk plaque features with future events support the potential of this approach, but comprehensive VCID mechanisms are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balu, Niranjan — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Balu, Niranjan
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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.