AI and brain imaging to map brain aging and early Alzheimer's changes
Machine Learning and Large-scale Imaging analytics for dimensional representations of brain trajectories in aging and preclinical Alzheimer's Disease: The brain aging chart and the iSTAGING consortium
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11297629
This project uses artificial intelligence on thousands of MRI brain scans to find early brain changes linked to aging and Alzheimer’s in older adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11297629 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are combining and harmonizing tens of thousands of MRI scans and clinical records from many studies to build a detailed 'brain aging chart' that shows how brains change over time. They apply machine learning pattern analysis to those images and data to detect subtle signs of neurodegeneration and vascular contributions before clear symptoms appear. The effort is organized through the iSTAGING consortium to create individualized, predictive imaging markers that reflect different brain trajectories. If you take part through a participating clinic, your scans and clinical information could help refine these early-detection tools.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults, people with mild memory concerns, or individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s who can share brain scans and medical and cognitive records through a participating center would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, very young individuals, or those without available brain imaging are unlikely to gain direct benefits from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow earlier and more personalized detection of Alzheimer-related brain changes so people can access prevention or treatment options sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies using AI on brain MRIs have shown promising signals for early detection, and this large, harmonized consortium approach builds on but expands beyond those earlier efforts.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAVATZIKOS, CHRISTOS — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: DAVATZIKOS, CHRISTOS
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome