A new portable brain scanner for early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Prism-PET/EMMT: High resolution, cost effective, portable, and upright brain PET scanner for early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10947888 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,273,935 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG082845-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947888 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are at risk for or showing early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not exhibit any symptoms of cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldan, Amirhossein — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Goldan, Amirhossein
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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.