High-detail MRI scans to find early Alzheimer's changes
Revealing tissue microstructure in the brain gray matter in Alzheimer's disease using in vivo high-gradient diffusion MRI
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11184268
This project uses advanced MRI scans to look for tiny changes in the brain's gray matter in people with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11184268 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would get a special MRI scan that uses very strong magnetic gradients to capture tiny changes in your brain's gray matter that standard scans often miss. The researchers will scan people with Alzheimer's, people with mild cognitive impairment, and people without memory problems to compare results. The scans are non-invasive and typically require lying still in the scanner for a set time. The team aims to spot early tissue changes and track how those changes evolve over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and older volunteers without memory problems for comparison.
Not a fit: People who cannot undergo MRI (for example due to certain implants or severe claustrophobia) or who cannot travel to the study site may not be able to take part or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help detect Alzheimer's earlier and give doctors a new way to monitor disease progression or response to treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Advanced diffusion MRI techniques have shown promise for detecting small-scale brain changes, but using high-gradient diffusion MRI to probe gray matter in Alzheimer's is a relatively new application.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LEE, HONG HSI — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: LEE, HONG HSI
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome