Why brain blood flow drops in Alzheimer’s and small vessel disease
Pathophysiological mechanisms of hypoperfusion in mouse models of Alzheimer?s disease and small vessel disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11299525
Researchers will look at how reduced blood flow and related blood-vessel and metabolic problems occur in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and small vessel disease to better understand causes of memory and thinking problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11299525 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models that mimic Alzheimer’s disease and small vessel disease to measure many aspects of brain blood flow and metabolism side by side. Scientists will combine imaging of blood flow, tests of how blood vessels respond (cerebrovascular reactivity), and molecular measures to map what goes wrong in each disease. By comparing the two models, they hope to tell which vascular or metabolic changes drive low blood flow versus which are secondary. The work focuses on mechanisms that could point to better biomarkers or targets for treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People living with Alzheimer’s disease or with vascular small vessel disease are the types of patients this work aims to help in future human studies.
Not a fit: Those seeking immediate treatments or people with unrelated medical conditions should not expect direct benefit from this mouse-based research right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to clearer biomarkers and new treatment targets to protect or restore brain blood flow in people with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human and animal studies have linked low cerebral blood flow to worse cognition and identified cerebrovascular reactivity as a useful measure, but this comprehensive side-by-side mechanistic comparison in AD versus SVD models is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WEI, ZHILIANG — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WEI, ZHILIANG
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome