Detecting and tracking brain injury-related degeneration and distinguishing it from Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Multi-modal machine learning detection and tracking of traumatic brain injury neurodegeneration and its differentiation from Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Adm Diagnostics, INC. · NIH-10709652 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to spot Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in living people, especially those who have had repeated head injuries, like athletes and older adults, by using brain scans and other tests to tell it apart from Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Adm Diagnostics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Northbrook, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2018 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $913,471 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG060861-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10709652 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced repetitive head impacts, such as athletes, military personnel, and older adults with a history of falls.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced any form of head trauma or do not exhibit symptoms related to cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a diagnostic tool that utilizes brain imaging and biomarkers to identify Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) and its earlier stages in living individuals. The approach focuses on differentiating CTE from Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, which is crucial since CTE can only be definitively diagnosed post-mortem. The study addresses the need for early detection of CTE, which is linked to repetitive head impacts experienced by various populations, including athletes and the elderly. By analyzing changes in brain connectivity, volume, and chemistry, the research seeks to provide a means for earlier diagnosis and potential intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of CTE, potentially improving outcomes for affected individuals.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research into Alzheimer's disease, the specific approach of using neuroimaging and biomarkers for CTE diagnosis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Adm Diagnostics, INC.
Northbrook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lukic, Ana S — Adm Diagnostics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Lukic, Ana S
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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.