Detecting early brain changes in Alzheimer's disease using advanced MRI techniques
In vivo Identification of Pre-Atrophic Brain Neurodegeneration in Prodromal Alzheimer Disease with Quantitative Gradient Recalled Echo MRI
This study is looking for early signs of Alzheimer's disease using a new MRI technique that can spot changes in the brain before major damage happens, which could help identify people at risk and track how well new treatments are working.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11212411 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to identify early signs of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) using a novel MRI technique called quantitative Gradient Recalled Echo (qGRE). By focusing on changes in brain tissue that occur before significant atrophy, the study seeks to develop a biomarker that can detect neuronal loss much earlier than current methods. This could help in screening individuals at risk for AD and monitoring the effectiveness of potential treatments. The approach is based on the latest understanding of AD pathology, which emphasizes the importance of detecting changes in brain tissue before clinical symptoms appear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with early cognitive changes or genetic predispositions.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any risk factors for the condition may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention for Alzheimer's disease, potentially slowing its progression.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to detect early neurodegenerative changes, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yablonskiy, Dmitriy a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Yablonskiy, Dmitriy a
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.