3D maps of the aging and Alzheimer's brain
Defining the effect of Alzheimer pathologies on the aged brain in 3 dimensions
This project will build detailed three-dimensional maps of brain changes linked to aging and Alzheimer's to help explain why thinking and memory get worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180194 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will create large-volume molecular atlases from three key brain regions using samples from people with and without Alzheimer's changes. They will link common Alzheimer protein buildups and blood vessel disease to specific cell types and tissue structures in three dimensions. The work includes diverse donors and combines molecular sequencing with topographic mapping to show where disease-related changes occur. These reference maps aim to point to the cellular and molecular changes that underlie memory loss and resilience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, older adults with memory or thinking problems, and individuals willing to donate brain tissue or detailed clinical records would be most relevant to this project.
Not a fit: People without cognitive symptoms who cannot provide tissue or clinical data, or whose conditions are unrelated to Alzheimer's pathology, are unlikely to benefit directly from this grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the atlases could reveal the specific cell types and molecular changes that drive memory loss, guiding new diagnostics and treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Other large brain-mapping efforts have produced useful atlases and insights, but this project expands on them by creating high-resolution 3D maps focused on aging, Alzheimer pathologies, and diverse donors.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De Jager, Philip L — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: De Jager, Philip L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.