Understanding how small blood vessel issues affect thinking and memory.

Elucidating microvascular contributions to cognitive impairment at single-cell resolution

NIH-funded research J. David Gladstone Institutes · NIH-11057467

This study is looking at how tiny blood vessels in the brain can affect thinking and memory problems, like dementia, and aims to find new ways to help treat these issues by understanding the cells involved.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJ. David Gladstone Institutes NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11057467 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of small blood vessels in the brain and how their dysfunction contributes to cognitive impairment and dementia. By using advanced techniques to analyze brain tissue at a single-cell level, the study aims to uncover the molecular and cellular processes involved in conditions like cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). The goal is to identify specific cell types and mechanisms that could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating dementia. Patients may benefit from insights that could inform future treatments and interventions for cognitive decline.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing cognitive decline or those diagnosed with dementia, particularly related to small vessel disease.

Not a fit: Patients with cognitive impairment due to non-vascular causes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating cognitive impairment and dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in understanding vascular contributions to cognitive impairment, but this approach using single-cell analysis is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.