A new portable brain scanner for early detection of Alzheimer's disease

Prism-PET/EMMT: High resolution, cost effective, portable, and upright brain PET scanner for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10947888

This study is testing a new, easy-to-use brain scanner that helps find early signs of Alzheimer's disease, making it easier for people to get checked even if they don't have symptoms yet.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10947888 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a high-resolution, cost-effective, and portable brain PET scanner designed to improve the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The innovative Prism-PET scanner, combined with an electromagnetic motion tracker, aims to enhance imaging of critical brain regions affected by tau accumulation. By utilizing a specific PET radiotracer, the study seeks to identify early biomarkers of Alzheimer's in individuals who may not yet show symptoms. This approach aims to increase access to advanced brain imaging, particularly in community settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or showing early signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit any symptoms of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for Alzheimer's diagnosis, but this specific approach with the Prism-PET scanner is novel.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.