Brain imaging to spot Alzheimer's-related changes during and after menopause
Project 4: Longitudinal Brain Imaging for Alzheimer's Biomarkers across Peri to Post Menopausal Transition: Therapeutic Targets and Windows
Researchers will use regular brain scans and blood tests to look for early Alzheimer's-related changes in midlife women going through perimenopause or menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11129667 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows midlife women through the peri- to post-menopausal transition with repeated brain imaging and blood-based immune and metabolic measures. It focuses on how changes in the neuro-immune system and metabolic stress in the brain relate to Alzheimer's markers. The team will compare women with different APOE genotypes and include both natural and surgical menopause. The goal is to find biological signals and time windows that could point to prevention or treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are midlife women entering perimenopause or recently postmenopausal, including those with natural or surgical menopause, who are willing to have MRI scans, blood draws, and genetic testing.
Not a fit: Men, younger women not undergoing menopause, or anyone unable or unwilling to have brain imaging, blood draws, or genetic testing are unlikely to be eligible or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal early brain and blood signs in midlife women that help predict Alzheimer's risk and identify times when prevention or targeted treatments may work best.
How similar studies have performed: Previous imaging and biomarker studies have linked menopause to Alzheimer's-related changes, but the focus on neuro-immune drivers across the menopausal transition and APOE interactions is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mosconi, Lisa — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Mosconi, Lisa
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.