Brain microstructure changes in aging and Alzheimer's
Microstructural changes in gray and white matter in aging and AD
Using advanced MRI and PET scans, researchers aim to detect early changes in brain wiring and tissue in older adults and people with early Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11305257 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would receive advanced MRI scans that measure tiny structures in the brain's gray and white matter, PET scans to detect amyloid and tau, and standard memory and thinking tests. The team will compare these imaging measures with PET markers and cognitive performance to find microstructural changes that appear before symptoms. This work builds on earlier small studies that found similar MRI measures differ in people with mild memory problems. Participation typically involves multiple visits to Stanford for imaging and cognitive testing and sharing clinical and imaging data with the research team.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults who are cognitively normal but at risk for Alzheimer's, people with mild cognitive impairment, or those with early Alzheimer's who can undergo MRI and PET scans and travel to Stanford.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, those who cannot have MRI or PET (for example due to implants, severe claustrophobia, or other medical contraindications), or those unable to travel to Stanford are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help detect Alzheimer's-related brain changes earlier and provide better markers to track disease progression.
How similar studies have performed: Similar combinations of advanced MRI and PET have shown promising signals in small studies, but these techniques are still emerging and are not yet routine clinical tests.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hosseini, Hadi — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Hosseini, Hadi
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.