How brain white matter uses energy with aging, white matter spots, and Alzheimer's
White Matter Metabolism in the Context of Aging, White Matter Hyperintensities and Alzheimer's Disease
This project measures how white matter in the brain uses glucose and oxygen in adults with and without white matter hyperintensities and Alzheimer's-related changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308367 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get advanced PET scans using tracers like 18FDG and 15O to measure glucose and oxygen use in the brain's white matter, plus MRI to map white matter microstructure and visible white matter hyperintensities. The team will compare where metabolic signals and MRI changes align in people who have WMH and in people who do not. They will also examine earlier MRI scans from participants who already had PET imaging to see how metabolism relates to white matter changes over time. The approach aims to identify metabolic patterns, like glycolysis, that might protect white matter or relate to cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older, including people with age-related memory problems, Alzheimer's dementia, or visible white matter hyperintensities on MRI, would be the typical candidates.
Not a fit: People under 21, those who cannot undergo PET or MRI (for example due to pregnancy, implanted metal devices, or severe illness), or those seeking immediate treatment rather than imaging research are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify imaging markers or metabolic targets that help predict or protect against age-related white matter damage and cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: FDG-PET is a well-established tool in Alzheimer's research, but quantitative PET measurement of white matter glycolysis in living people is relatively new and primarily supported by animal data so far.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vlassenko, Andrei G. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Vlassenko, Andrei G.
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.