Understanding How Tiny Blood Vessels in the Brain Help Control Blood Flow in Health and Disease
The main goals of this study are to see how tiny blood vessels called capillaries in the brain communicate with small arteries to increase blood flow where the brain needs it, and to learn how this process may not work the right way in certain diseases.
Why this Research Matters
Diseases that change the brain's small blood vessels (capillaries) often develop silently over many years. They are a major cause of stroke, dementia, and age-related problems with memory and thinking. Researchers do not fully know how these diseases work, but research suggests that early changes in the brain's tiny blood vessels may play a big role in causing brain damage. Because of this, we are looking at capillaries in human brain tissue to better see how they work in diseases like stroke or dementia. If you want to join the study, you must have a scheduled brain surgery at the University of Colorado Health Hospital (UCHealth). If you join, the brain tissue that is normally thrown away during your surgery will be given to our study team to look at. We will check the brain tissue in our lab to see how the brain capillaries are working. You will not need to do anything extra. You and your insurance will need to pay for your routine health care. You will not be paid for being in this study.
Who can Participate
You may be able to join this study if you are 18 or older and undergoing brain surgery at UCHealth. You cannot join the study if you are pregnant.
Study ID
Protocol Number: 23-0162
Meet the Team
Principal Investigator