2024 Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG)
Cerebral capillary hyperemia in the transition of aging to late-onset AD
How do tiny blood vessels change with the onset of Alzheimer’s?
Jiandi Wan, Ph.D.
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA - United States
Background
Blood vessels in the head and neck provide nerve cells with oxygen-rich blood that is critical for the brain cells’ ability to function properly. Inadequate blood flow can damage and eventually kill cells anywhere in the body, but the brain is especially vulnerable. Tiny blood vessels called capillaries, which are close to brain cells, are especially important for keeping brain cells healthy. Changes in the blood flow through these capillaries may be associated with the nerve cell damage and death that is observed in Alzheimer’s and other dementias, however it is not yet known whether these changes in capillary blood flow influence the development of Alzheimer's.
Research Plan
Dr. Jiandi Wan and colleagues plan to determine whether changes in capillary blood flow precedes other changes related to Alzheimer’s. The research team will use specialized brain scans and other recordings to identify changes in capillary blood flow using genetically-engineered Alzheimer’s-like mice as well as mice that don’t have Alzheimer’s.. They will also measure how well the mice perform memory tests to assess when Alzheimer’s-like symptoms develop.
Additionally, Dr. Wan and colleagues will study how Alzheimer’s impacts red blood cells—the cells that carry oxygen. For this study, they will collect blood samples from individuals at the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center who carry genetic risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s.. The research team will compare these samples with individuals who do not carry genetic risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s to explore characteristics of blood cells, including their ability to hold oxygen, travel, and manage stress.
Impact
If successful, the results of this study may provide a deeper understanding of the role of tiny blood vessels in Alzheimer’s. These findings may also lead to new research tools for detecting Alzheimer’s.