# The impact of blood pressure variability on neurovascular function (Diversity Supplement)

> **NIH NIH R01** · AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $126,865

## Abstract

Dementia is a prevalent neurodegenerative condition among older adults, ranking as the seventh
leading global cause of death and a major contributor to disability and dependency in this
demographic. A high salt diet and high blood pressure increase the risk of dementia. However,
how these risk factors contribute to a progressive decline in brain function is poorly understood.
Our lab developed a novel mouse model where we can induce large blood pressure fluctuations,
while maintaining average blood pressure within normal ranges. We will use this animal model of
blood pressure variability (BPV), in combination with a high salt diet (HSD) in middle-aged mice,
thereby recapitulating human risk factors for cognitive decline. The primary goal is to determine if
the combined presence of these variables (HSD+BPV) leads to the early onset of cognitive
decline and/or hypertension. We will investigate whether HSD + BPV: 1) Evokes larger blood
pressure fluctuations and leads to sustained hypertension? 2) Decreases cerebral perfusion,
under steady-state conditions? 3) Increases damage to the microcirculation resulting in a leaky
blood brain barrier (BBB)? and 4) Impairs cognitive function and neurovascular outputs? Findings
from this study will contribute to a better understanding of and treatment for individuals at risk for
high blood pressure and dementia.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10986697
- **Project number:** 3R01NS123644-02S1
- **Recipient organization:** AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** JESSICA A FILOSA
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $126,865
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2023-08-15 → 2028-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10986697

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10986697, The impact of blood pressure variability on neurovascular function (Diversity Supplement) (3R01NS123644-02S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10986697. Licensed CC0.

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