Improving brain blood flow in Alzheimer's disease is focus of UM study

University of Miami researchers report that pharmacological activation of the Piezo1 channel restored microvascular flow and neurovascular coupling in a mouse model of Alzheimer's, according to a December 2025 paper in the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association. The team says further investigation is needed to determine whether the approach could apply to humans.

Researchers at the University of Miami published a study reporting improved brain vascular function in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. The work focused on activating Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel present in blood vessels. In the study, pharmacological activation of Piezo1 improved microvascular flow and neurovascular coupling. The paper appeared in the Journal of the Alzheimer's Association in December 2025. Key findings: - Activating the Piezo1 channel restored microvascular blood flow and neurovascular coupling in an Alzheimer's mouse model. - The team used pharmacological activation to improve functional hyperemia, the increase of blood flow to active brain tissue. - The study was published in December 2025 and the researchers state that further investigation is needed to assess applicability in humans. Summary: The researchers describe the results as a step toward addressing early vascular dysfunction seen in Alzheimer's disease. Implications for human treatment are undetermined at this time and additional research is planned.