Brain network markers for early Alzheimer's disease
Connectomic Biomarkers of Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease within Multi-Synaptic Pathways
Researchers are developing brain imaging markers that use patterns of brain wiring and activity to find early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults before symptoms show.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11083643 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map how different brain regions connect and communicate using two types of MRI scans (diffusion MRI to see structural wiring and resting-state functional MRI to see activity patterns). The team will look for multi-synaptic pathways that are especially vulnerable or resilient in aging and Alzheimer’s. From these maps they plan to create robust connectomic biomarkers aimed at detecting preclinical Alzheimer’s and tracking brain changes over time. Those biomarkers could be used to improve diagnosis, predict progression, and measure whether treatments are working.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be older adults at risk for Alzheimer’s, people with mild cognitive impairment, or cognitively normal individuals who want testing for preclinical Alzheimer’s risk and can undergo MRI scanning.
Not a fit: People with non-Alzheimer dementias, very advanced Alzheimer’s, or who cannot have MRI scans (for example, due to certain implants) may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could enable earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer’s, better prediction of who will decline, and improved ways to test treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior imaging studies have shown network changes in MCI and Alzheimer’s, but applying detailed multi-synaptic connectome biomarkers for preclinical detection is a newer and still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aganj, Iman — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Aganj, Iman
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.