How spinal fluid clears waste in mild memory problems and Alzheimer's

Intrinsic CSF outflow metrics for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11285184

This project looks at how cerebrospinal fluid moves and clears waste in people with mild cognitive problems and Alzheimer's disease to find noninvasive signs of impaired clearance.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11285184 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would get brain imaging that measures how your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flows and removes proteins linked to dementia. The team aims to develop intrinsic, noninvasive CSF outflow measures so they do not need injected contrast agents. They will compare these measures in people with normal memory, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's to see patterns linked to symptoms, sleep, or activity. The goal is to track whether reduced CSF clearance relates to worse memory or buildup of Alzheimer's proteins.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease—often older adults (commonly 65 and up)—are the most likely candidates for participation.

Not a fit: People without memory problems or those with neurological conditions unrelated to Alzheimer's may not gain direct benefits from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide new noninvasive biomarkers to identify impaired brain waste clearance and help guide treatments or trials for Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Animal studies have shown sleep and exercise can boost glymphatic clearance, and human work has used injected contrast but noninvasive intrinsic CSF metrics in people remain relatively new.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.