NIH R01 · 2024
Pathogenic exosomes during herpes zoster mediate increased vascular dementia risk
Project Summary: Vascular dementia is the second most common cause of dementia. Therapies aim to control risk factors (e.g. hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes mellitus) to prevent development or worsening of disease. Recent studies show that viral infections are potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia. Amongst all pathogens, varicella zoster virus (VZV) is the most likely contributor to vascular dementia. VZV is a neurotropic DNA virus that is latent in >95% of Americans and reactivates to produce herpes zoster (shingles) in 50% by 85 years of age. Despite the availability of zoster vaccines, there are still >1 mil cases of zoster annually. Recent studies reveal zoster…
From the public funding record at NIH RePORTER. Describes the funded project, not the reviews below.