How sensory and motor issues affect brain connectivity in early Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Influence of Sensory and Motor Dysfunctions on White - Gray Matters Functional Connectome in Preclinical AD
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-10884723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how problems with your senses and movement might affect the way different parts of your brain connect, especially for people who are in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, to help find new ways to spot the condition sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $438,448 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083915-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884723 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who exhibit sensory and motor dysfunctions and are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sensory or motor dysfunctions or who are already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of sensory and motor dysfunctions on the brain's functional connectivity in individuals with preclinical Alzheimer's disease (AD). By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to develop new methods to analyze the connections between white matter and gray matter in the brain, which may reveal important biomarkers for early detection of AD. The research addresses existing challenges in accurately modeling these connections and seeks to enhance our understanding of how these dysfunctions may precede cognitive decline. Patients may undergo imaging assessments to help identify changes in brain connectivity related to their sensory and motor functions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of analyzing white-gray matter connectivity in relation to sensory and motor dysfunctions is relatively novel, previous studies have shown success in using advanced imaging techniques to explore brain connectivity in Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gao, Yurui — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Gao, Yurui
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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.