High-resolution 3D imaging of tiny blood vessels in the Alzheimer's brain
Novel Volumetric Optical Microscopy to Unravel Cerebral Microvascular Architecture and the Role in Functional Neuroimaging in Human Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers are building very detailed 3D imaging of tiny brain blood vessels to better understand changes in people with Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159426 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will create and use new volumetric optical microscopy to map capillaries, small arterioles, and venules that standard MRI cannot see. The team will combine high-resolution microscopy, computer simulations, and clinical neuroimaging (like fMRI) to link microvascular structure with blood-flow signals in human Alzheimer's disease. They will examine human-relevant samples and imaging data to identify early vascular changes that may occur years before symptoms. The goal is to explain how small-vessel changes contribute to altered brain function and cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, those with mild cognitive impairment, or individuals at elevated risk for Alzheimer's who can undergo imaging or provide tissue samples would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: Individuals without Alzheimer's-related brain changes or those unable/unwilling to complete imaging or tissue donation are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could enable earlier detection of vascular changes in Alzheimer's and guide treatments that protect or restore brain blood flow.
How similar studies have performed: Prior epidemiological and imaging studies have linked blood-flow changes to Alzheimer's, but using volumetric optical microscopy to map human brain microvessels and directly connect them to fMRI signals is largely novel and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Hui — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wang, Hui
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.