Understanding how small blood vessel disease affects brain function and dementia.

Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and Dementia: Defining Global Resilience and Disruption in Brain Networks

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11032093

This study is looking at how problems with tiny blood vessels in the brain might be linked to dementia, especially Alzheimer's, to help us understand how they affect thinking and memory in older adults.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032093 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between cerebral small vessel disease and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It aims to uncover how small blood vessel issues contribute to cognitive decline and affect brain networks. By focusing on cerebral microbleeds, the study seeks to fill existing knowledge gaps regarding their impact on cognitive function in older adults. The research is conducted at Wake Forest University Health Sciences, a leader in geriatric research.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or showing early signs of dementia.

Not a fit: Patients with dementia not related to small vessel disease or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of dementia, enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of small vessel disease on cognitive function, suggesting this approach has potential for significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions age associated diseaseage associated disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.