Understanding how the blood-brain barrier breaks down in Alzheimer's disease and vascular cognitive impairment
Mechanisms of blood-brain barrier deterioration in vascular cognitive impairment and Alzheimers disease
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 ID | NIH-10932889 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or vascular cognitive impairment.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease or vascular cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koh, Yeo Jung — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Koh, Yeo Jung
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 below.