In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers at the University of Utah are set to explore the complex connections between hypertension and dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s disease, thanks to a substantial $21.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
This five-year project focuses on nearly 40,000 blood samples collected during the SPRINT trial, one of the largest blood pressure intervention studies in the United States. These samples, preserved in six massive laboratory freezers, hold significant potential for understanding brain health among older adults.
Emerging findings suggest that certain blood biomarkers found in these samples may diagnosis Alzheimer’s-related brain changes with near-equal accuracy to established methods like PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
Key researchers, including Jeremy Pruzin, MD, a behavioral neurologist at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute and a principal investigator, express hope that their work will elucidate the nuances of how hypertension affects dementia risk. They aim to determine whether intensive treatment for high blood pressure can effectively reduce dementia risk in individuals genetically predisposed to cognitive decline.
Dr. Angela Fagerlin, chair of population health sciences at U of U Health, also emphasizes the transformative potential of this research, stating that it leverages innovative blood-based biomarkers alongside clinical trial data to decode dementia pathology.
The research team plans to cross-reference findings from blood biomarkers with detailed health information to refine treatment approaches that could cater to specific populations. For example, they may investigate how factors such as genetics and existing health conditions influence the efficacy of hypertension treatments.
Rachel Hess, MD, associate vice president for research at U of U Health, highlighted the invaluable resource provided by the U of U-based biobank, which contains samples that may be over a decade old. This biobank allows for inquiry into new questions that have arisen due to advancements in biomarkers, aiming to uncover how controlling hypertension can affect aging in millions of individuals.
An exciting aspect of the project is the commitment to transparency, as the research team plans to publicly post the data collected. This dataset will include blood biomarker information matched with clinical outcomes and dementia diagnoses, creating a significant resource for future scientific inquiries.
Describing the importance of their findings, Dr. Jasmeer Chhatwal, MD, PhD, a behavioral neurologist at Mass General Brigham and Harvard Medical School, articulated the potential impact of blood-based biomarkers on screening, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the larger population.
The study could provide insights into how best to tailor hypertension treatments to lower dementia risks among various demographics, thereby protecting cognitive functions and enhancing quality of life for older adults.
The project is made possible not only by the NIH grant but also through strategic investments from various departments within the University of Utah, including the Departments of Population Health Sciences and Internal Medicine, as well as the Utah Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center.
The collaborative approach involving researchers from multiple institutions underscores the importance of multidisciplinary efforts in uncovering the connections between cardiovascular health and brain health. The potential for these findings to result in more individualized treatments reflects a growing understanding of the intricate relationship between different health conditions in older age.
Overall, this innovative research initiative marks a significant step forward in understanding how managing hypertension might influence cognitive health, ultimately shedding light on an issue of increasing relevance as America’s elderly population continues to grow.
As researchers look ahead, the hope is that their findings will not only contribute to the scientific understanding of these conditions but will also empower healthcare professionals to make informed decisions that can profoundly impact the lives of those affected by hypertension and dementia.
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