Understanding how the blood-brain barrier affects Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The blood-brain barrier and Alzheimer pathology
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11143055 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with the blood-brain barrier might affect memory and thinking in people with Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find new ways to help prevent or treat cognitive decline.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $601,659 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG080043-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143055 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing mild cognitive impairment or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, particularly focusing on how BBB dysfunction may contribute to cognitive impairment in aging individuals. The study aims to clarify the mechanisms linking BBB disruption to the accumulation of harmful proteins associated with AD, such as beta-amyloid and tau. By exploring different scenarios of interaction between these proteins and BBB integrity, the research seeks to identify potential pathways for intervention. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies for preventing or treating cognitive decline related to Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect cognitive function in individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the blood-brain barrier in neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jagust, William J. — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Jagust, William J.
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.