Understanding how the blood-brain barrier breaks down in Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment
Official title: Mechanisms of blood-brain barrier deterioration in vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimers disease
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10932889 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme might be making the blood-brain barrier weaker in people with Alzheimer's and vascular cognitive impairment, and it hopes to find ways to block this enzyme to help protect the brain and improve thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | September 10, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F99AG083111-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10932889 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or vascular cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease or vascular cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the deterioration of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). By using advanced techniques like 2-photon microscopy, the study aims to identify the role of a specific enzyme, 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), which is found to be elevated in patients with these conditions. The research will explore how inhibiting this enzyme can protect the BBB and potentially improve cognitive function in affected individuals. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that protect the blood-brain barrier and improve cognitive function in patients with Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting the blood-brain barrier in Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koh, Yeo Jung — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Koh, Yeo Jung
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global picture of dementia risk and memory loss across the world
A large international effort gathers data from many studies to understand how dementia and memory problems develop around the world, using shared information to reveal patterns and risk factors.
-
PNA5 for VCID and Alzheimer's Dementias: A first-in-human safety study
A first-in-human trial tests a new drug, PNA5, to see if it is safe and tolerable for adults with vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's-related dementias.
-
Global picture of dementia and Alzheimer’s risk across populations
A large international effort gathers health data from many cohorts to understand what increases or lowers the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's disease around the world.
-
Global patterns of cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's dementia
Bringing together memory-study data from around the world to find lifestyle and environmental factors people can change to lower the risk of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
-
Extreme longevity and brain health in centenarians and families
This grant studies why some people live to 100 with strong thinking skills and how genes and biomarkers relate to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, aiming to help others stay cognitively healthy as they age.
-
A brain-boosting peptide to help people at risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
A new drug-like peptide (PNA5) is being studied to reduce brain inflammation and improve blood flow in people at risk for vascular dementia and Alzheimer's-related dementia.
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.