Understanding the brain's protective network in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Mapping the perivascular reticular network in health, aging, and AD
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-10739104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a part of the brain that helps with fluid movement and may affect brain health as we get older, especially in people with Alzheimer's, to better understand how changes in a protective brain layer could impact our resilience against such diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,246,362 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG083765-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to aging or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the perivascular space (PVS) in the brain, which plays a crucial role in fluid exchange and may influence brain health as we age. By using advanced microscopy techniques, the study aims to map the structure of the pia mater, a protective layer surrounding the brain, and how it changes with aging and in Alzheimer's disease. The research will analyze human brain tissue to identify specific morphological changes and their relationship to neurological conditions. This could lead to a better understanding of how the brain maintains resilience against diseases like Alzheimer's.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of Alzheimer's disease and potentially lead to new strategies for prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain structures related to Alzheimer's, but this specific approach to mapping the pia mater is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mehta, Rupal I. — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Mehta, Rupal I.
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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.