Understanding the brain's blood vessels and their role in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Evaluation of the neurovascular unit in the setting of pathogenesis and treatment of autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11053484 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the connections between blood vessels and brain cells affect Alzheimer's disease, with the hope of finding new ways to treat it, especially for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $94,049 |
| NIH project number | 5K01AG080123-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053484 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with a familial history of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-Alzheimer's forms of dementia or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the neurovascular unit, which includes blood vessels and brain cells, contributes to the development and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced imaging techniques and molecular analysis, the research aims to uncover the complex interactions between amyloid-beta accumulation and vascular changes in the brain. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting both amyloid-beta and vascular health in Alzheimer's. The study focuses on understanding how age-related factors influence these processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve brain health and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of vascular factors in Alzheimer's disease, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Joseph-Mathurin, Nelly Cecile — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Joseph-Mathurin, Nelly Cecile
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Mitochondrial energy problems in men and women with Alzheimer’s disease
This grant tests how mitochondria differ between men and women with Alzheimer's disease to find ways to tailor care.
-
Mitochondrial energy problems in people with Alzheimer’s and related brain diseases
A research effort is looking at how mitochondrial energy problems differ between men and women with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and what this means for future care.
-
Understanding Alzheimer's Genetic Risk in African and Admixed African-American People
A study looks at genetic factors and biomarkers to understand why Alzheimer's disease affects African and admixed African-American communities differently.
-
Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s in African and admixed African-American communities
Researchers will study how genes influence Alzheimer’s risk in people of African ancestry to better understand why the disease affects diverse communities differently.
-
Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease in African and African-American Ancestries
Researchers are studying how genes influence Alzheimer’s risk in people of African and mixed African-American backgrounds to improve understanding and prevention.
-
Understanding genetic risk for Alzheimer’s in African and admixed African-American communities
Researchers are studying how genetic factors influence Alzheimer’s risk in people of African ancestry to better understand why dementia affects these groups differently.
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.