Exploring brain imaging markers for early signs of cognitive decline
Official title: Investigating Enlarged Perivascular Spaces as a Neuroimaging Biomarker of Cerebral Small Vessel Disease
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11101240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how enlarged spaces around blood vessels in the brain might help us spot early signs of memory and thinking problems in older adults, and it involves brain scans over three years for people aged 60 to 86 who are currently healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | May 10, 2023 |
| Project end | November 9, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $40,487 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AG079506-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11101240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cognitively normal older adults aged 60-86 who are willing to participate in MRI scans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already experiencing significant cognitive impairment or dementia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS) in the brain can serve as an early indicator of cognitive decline in older adults. By using advanced MRI technology, the study aims to quantify ePVS in cognitively healthy individuals aged 60-86 and track changes over three years. Participants will undergo brain scans to measure ePVS and assess their relationship with cognitive function and white matter health. The goal is to identify potential biomarkers that could help predict future cognitive impairment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of cognitive decline, allowing for timely interventions and better management of conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that neuroimaging biomarkers like ePVS can be indicative of cognitive decline, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Libecap, Tj — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Libecap, Tj
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.