Brain fluid clearance in Alzheimer’s tracked with advanced MRI
Cerebrospinal fluid exchange in Alzheimer's disease characterized by advanced MRI techniques
['FUNDING_R01'] · HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER · NIH-11237565
Doctors are using special MRI scans to see how spinal fluid clears waste in people with Alzheimer’s and early memory problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11237565 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would get noninvasive MRI scans that trace how cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) moves through the brain and clears proteins linked to dementia. The team uses advanced techniques such as dynamic glucose-enhanced imaging to measure CSF secretion, reabsorption, and flow along perivascular (glymphatic) pathways. They will compare people with Alzheimer’s or early memory loss to identify patterns tied to amyloid buildup, reduced blood flow, and cognitive decline. The goal is to find MRI markers that show early brain degeneration that amyloid scans alone may not reveal.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Alzheimer’s disease or those with early memory problems (mild cognitive impairment) who can undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People without neurological disease, those with non-Alzheimer’s causes of dementia, or anyone who cannot safely have an MRI (for example due to implanted devices or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help detect Alzheimer-related brain clearance problems earlier and give doctors a new way to monitor disease progress or treatment effects.
How similar studies have performed: Early animal work and small human pilot studies suggest glymphatic and CSF measures relate to amyloid and cognition, but larger human validation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XU, JIADI — HUGO W. MOSER RES INST KENNEDY KRIEGER
- Study coordinator: XU, JIADI
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 disease detection, Alzheimer syndrome