Advanced MRI to detect myelin loss in Alzheimer's disease
Quantitative UTE MR Imaging of Myelin: Novel Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease
Using a new MRI technique to find myelin loss in people with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297518 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will use a specialized MRI method called quantitative UTE to image myelin in the brain's white matter and cortex. Researchers will obtain detailed MRI scans and compare the new images with standard MRI approaches to spot early myelin changes that can occur before classic Alzheimer signs. The work may include scans from people with Alzheimer's, those with mild cognitive impairment or at risk, and supporting preclinical or tissue studies to validate what the images show. The aim is to create a reliable, non-invasive imaging marker that can track disease progression and treatment effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or people at increased risk who can safely undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People who cannot have MRI (for example due to incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia) or whose cognitive problems come from non-Alzheimer causes may not benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier detection of Alzheimer's-related myelin loss and better monitoring of treatment effects with a noninvasive scan.
How similar studies have performed: Other advanced MRI methods have shown promise for white-matter changes, but applying quantitative UTE to measure myelin in Alzheimer's is relatively new and not yet widely proven in people.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Du, Jiang — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Du, Jiang
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.