VCID: Conduct clinical research informed by basic research findings (Milestone 4.U)
In Progress
Timeline Start - End
2020 - 2027Research Implementation Area
Translational Tools, Infrastructure, and CapabilitiesAD-Related Dementias Focus
Incorporate VCID mechanisms derived from basic science animal/human studies into the design of human trials targeting prevention or treatment of dementia/mild cognitive impairment.
Success Criteria
- At least one new VCID clinical project or trial informed by basic VCID science research outcomes (e.g. biomarkers that emerge from basic studies) and basic mechanisms.
Summary of Key Accomplishments
A strong body of evidence suggests that individuals who have vascular brain damage (e.g., white matter damage) as well as individuals who have had a stroke are at increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. In addition, building on a rich body of basic research on blood clotting mechanisms and proteins, researchers developed a drug that protects rat and mouse brains from brain bleeds during ischemic stroke as well as later white matter damage. The drug, known as “3K3A-APC”, was recently shown in an NINDS-supported Phase 2 clinical trial (RHAPSODY) to be safe in humans and protect from brain bleeds due to ischemic stroke. The drug manufacturer is planning to launch a Phase 3 trial shortly focused on ischemic stroke treatment. Future findings from controlled clinical trials on 3K3A-APC could include data on cognitive and dementia-related outcomes, illustrating a promising basic science to bedside story of a potential treatment of human brain vascular disease.
The key accomplishments summary is current as of July 2022.
Accomplishments/Implementation Activities
Funding Initiatives
- RFA-NS-19-012: Post-Stroke Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) in the United States Including in Health Disparities Populations (U19)
- RFA-NS-20-012: Clinical Trials Planning for Symptomatic Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID)
- RFA-NS-21-004: Small Vessel VCID Biomarkers Validation Consortium Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- RFA-NS-21-005: Small Vessel VCID Biomarkers Validation Consortium Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- NOT-NS-21-038: Hyperacute MRI Imaging Studies to Understand How Brain Changes Affect AD/ADRD-Relevant Trajectories and Outcomes Post-Stroke
Research Programs and Resources
- Post-Stroke Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) in the United States Including in Health Disparities Populations (U19)
- Projects funded under RFA-NS-21-005
- Select projects funded in FY22
- Mind Your Risks
Research Highlights
Relevant Recommendations
- 2019 ADRD Summit: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID), Focus Area 3: Translational Studies, Milestone 8
- 2022 ADRD Summit: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) Milestone 7, Priority 2