Understanding small vessel disease and its role in Alzheimer's and related dementias
Official title: VCID Center Without Walls for Understanding and Leveraging Small Vessel Cerebrovascular Disease Mechanisms in ADRD
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11022118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how small blood vessel problems in the brain can lead to dementia, like Alzheimer's, by examining brain samples and using advanced imaging techniques to better understand the changes that happen as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $4,361,625 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS139970-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11022118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those with symptoms of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cerebrovascular related forms of dementia or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind small vessel cerebrovascular disease (CSVD) and its contributions to dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. By utilizing advanced technologies, the study aims to analyze thousands of proteins and metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid and human brain tissue samples. The research will also employ neuroimaging techniques to identify specific patterns of white matter hyperintensities, which are crucial for understanding the pathology of these diseases. The goal is to uncover the complex interactions that lead to cognitive decline in aging populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential new treatments for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cerebrovascular contributions to dementia, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Jin-Moo — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Jin-Moo
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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.