Better brain scans to detect Parkinson’s circuit changes
Official title: Multi-scale functional connectivity in preclinical models of Parkinson's disease
Funded at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center · NIH-11235840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses advanced brain imaging in lab models to look for clearer signs of Parkinson’s disease that could help people with early or developing symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenix, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $399,380 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS124575-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11235840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with early-stage Parkinson’s disease or those at high risk for developing Parkinson’s would be the most relevant candidates for related future human studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without Parkinson’s or those with very advanced disease where neuronal loss is extensive may be unlikely to benefit directly from these findings in the near term.
What this research studies
The team is using advanced multi-contrast MRI techniques in preclinical (lab) models to map functional connections across brain regions affected by Parkinson’s. They will pair these scans with drugs and chemogenetic tools that can selectively activate or silence neurons to link MRI signals to underlying nerve-cell activity. The approach aims to identify imaging markers that are more sensitive and specific than standard fMRI, especially for early or subtle disease changes. Although performed in lab models, the findings are intended to guide development of better scans and biomarkers for people with Parkinson’s.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce more sensitive imaging markers to detect Parkinson’s earlier and track responses to treatments more reliably.
How similar studies have gone: Prior fMRI work in Parkinson’s has had mixed results, and combining multi-contrast MRI with pharmacological and chemogenetic validation is a relatively new and promising approach but not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
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St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
Phoenix, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stokes, Ashley M — St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Stokes, Ashley M
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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.