Identifying early brain changes in Alzheimer's disease using advanced MRI techniques
Official title: Developing a validated biomarker of cortical neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease using high-gradient diffusion MRI
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11018569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a special type of brain scan can help spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease in people who have mild memory issues or are at risk, so we can better understand how the disease develops before symptoms appear.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $208,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG085795-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with mild cognitive impairment or those at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on detecting early signs of Alzheimer's disease by using high-gradient diffusion MRI, a cutting-edge imaging technique. It aims to identify microscopic changes in brain structure that occur before the onset of noticeable symptoms. By comparing these imaging results with actual brain tissue samples, the study seeks to improve our understanding of how Alzheimer's progresses. Patients with mild cognitive impairment or those at risk for Alzheimer's will be the primary subjects of this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced MRI techniques to detect early brain changes in Alzheimer's, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Susie Yi — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Huang, Susie Yi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.