Principal Investigators

    Raj Kalaria

    Institution

    Newcastle University

    Contact information of lead PI

    Country

    United Kingdom

    Title of project or programme

    Mechanisms of neurodegeneration in an animal model of cerebral hypofusion

    Source of funding information

    Alzheimer's Research UK

    Total sum awarded (Euro)

    € 589,447

    Start date of award

    01/10/2013

    Total duration of award in years

    4.0

    The project/programme is most relevant to:

    Alzheimer's disease & other dementias

    Keywords

    Research Abstract

    Over the past decade in Newcastle, we have contributed to the understanding of risk factors for vascular disease and the causes of dementia through multidisciplinary studies in prospectively assessed clinical cohorts but that knowledge now needs to be translated to understand mechanisms and interventions that are effective.  To simulate such studies in the elderly, we will implement widely acceptable but highly relevant experimental animal (rodent) model work in collaboration with our colleagues in Edinburgh.  We propose to study the long term consequences of low brain perfusion (hypoperfusion) in novel transgenic mice models, which relate to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.  We will use state-of-the-art tools to monitor synaptic/neuronal and blood microvessel function and cognitive ability.  More importantly, we will assess how neurodegenerative or vascular alterations are ameliorated by two readily implemented interventions including the use of a trial-tested vascoactive compound cilostazol and exposure to physical activity in an enriched environment.  The collaboration between our two centres and support from world leaders in transgenic mice model work affords us an unique opportunity to combine expertise to tackle a key understudied area of dementia research.  Our strategy will also enable future translation of clinicopathological findings for effective prevention and treatment of dementia.

    Lay Summary

    Further information available at:

Types: Investments > €500k
Member States: United Kingdom
Diseases: Alzheimer's disease & other dementias
Years: 2016
Database Categories: N/A
Database Tags: N/A

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