Advanced brain imaging for frontotemporal dementia
Neuroimaging Core
This project uses high-resolution MRI techniques to find brain imaging markers that could help people with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11265587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of work using both standard 3T MRI and ultra‑high field 7T MRI to look for detailed brain changes linked to FTD. The team combines brain scans with specialized diffusion imaging and quantitative methods (like QSM) to detect inflammation and layer-specific changes in the cortex. They also link MRI features to tissue studies after autopsy to see which scan signals match actual disease biology. The goal is to make imaging measures more specific to the different molecular types of FTD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with or suspected to have frontotemporal dementia (FTD) or related disorders, including those willing to participate in imaging visits or brain donation programs.
Not a fit: People without FTD or those seeking an immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this imaging-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce more precise imaging markers to detect FTD earlier and track its progression more accurately.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional MRI and diffusion studies have shown useful patterns in FTD, and early ex vivo 7T MRI–guided tissue work from this group has already shown promising links between imaging signals and specific FTD pathologies.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcmillan, Corey T — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mcmillan, Corey T
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.