High-resolution metabolic brain mapping for Alzheimer's disease
Robust Precision Mapping of Cortical and Subcortical Brain Metabolic Signatures in AD
We will create whole-brain chemical maps using advanced MRI spectroscopy to better understand and track Alzheimer's disease in people with or at risk for it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109595 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you participate, researchers will use a specialized MRI method called 3D echo-planar spectroscopic imaging to measure brain chemicals across both the cortex and deep brain regions. They are developing faster, higher-resolution scanning so these chemical maps can cover the whole brain within a routine scan time. The metabolic maps will be compared with other Alzheimer's markers to link chemical changes to disease features. This approach could help spot disease-related changes earlier and provide a way to follow how the brain responds to future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment, and people at increased risk who can safely undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People with implanted metal devices, severe claustrophobia, or other contraindications to MRI, and those without Alzheimer's-related cognitive concerns, are unlikely to benefit from or participate in this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable earlier detection of Alzheimer's-related metabolic changes and provide a noninvasive biomarker to help guide or monitor treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior MR spectroscopy studies have found metabolic changes in Alzheimer's, but whole-brain high-resolution 3D spectroscopic mapping like this is novel and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Kansas City, United States
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Phil — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Lee, Phil
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.