Brain oxygen, carbon dioxide and acidity maps in aging
Homeostatic modeling of functional neuroimaging data in humans: a novel methodology to obtain brain maps of tissue pCO2, pO2 and pH in aging
This project uses a new MRI-based modeling approach to create maps of brain oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH in older adults to better understand changes linked to aging and dementia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317142 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you take part, you would have brain MRI (and possibly PET) images run through a computer model called HoMod to estimate tissue and capillary levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide and acidity (pH) across brain regions. The approach combines measurements of resting blood flow and activity-linked blood flow changes with models of brain metabolism and waste production. The team has already validated HoMod in younger adults and will apply it to older people and existing aging imaging datasets to see how these chemical maps change with age. The aim is to make routine brain scans more informative about vascular health and signals linked to cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults (including those with memory concerns or at risk for dementia) who can have MRI scans and are willing to share imaging and clinical data.
Not a fit: People who cannot undergo MRI (for example due to incompatible implants or severe claustrophobia) or who need immediate treatment for an acute brain condition are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide new MRI markers that reveal early cerebrovascular problems tied to cognitive decline and help target interventions sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Related MRI and PET studies have linked blood flow and metabolism to cognition, and HoMod was validated in young adults, but applying this modeling to map pO2/pCO2/pH in aging is a novel extension.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mangia, Silvia — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Mangia, Silvia
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.