How brain chemistry changes from young adulthood to older age using advanced MRI spectroscopy
Brain metabolism across the lifespan using multi-parametric MRS
This project uses advanced, non-invasive MRI spectroscopy to measure how brain chemistry shifts across the lifespan, including in people at risk for Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11478835 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have a painless MRI-based scan that measures natural brain chemicals and tissue properties rather than looking for a tumor. The team uses a faster, multi-parameter spectroscopy method to capture both metabolite levels and their relaxation properties, so they can separate different biological signals. They plan to scan people across many ages to create normal reference ranges and to see patterns linked to aging and Alzheimer’s-related changes. Those reference ranges would help researchers and doctors tell healthy aging apart from early disease-related changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults across a wide age range, including healthy older adults and people concerned about or at risk for Alzheimer’s or related dementias, who can undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People who need immediate treatment for symptoms or who cannot have MRI scans (for example due to certain implanted metal devices or severe claustrophobia) are unlikely to gain direct benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could give doctors new, non-invasive biomarkers to spot early brain changes and better target prevention or early treatment for dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous MRS studies have shown age- and disease-related metabolite changes, but applying a rapid multi-parameter MRS across the full adult lifespan to establish normative ranges is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zoellner, Helge Joern — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Zoellner, Helge Joern
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.