Identifying early brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Quantification of microstructures in the entorhinal-hippocampus pathway as a sensitive biomarker for neurodegeneration during the preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10949187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at tiny changes in the brain that could show early signs of Alzheimer's disease, helping us find ways to spot the condition before symptoms start, so we can take action sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $97,795 |
| NIH project number | 1K99AG088363-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949187 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those in the preclinical stage without noticeable cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already experiencing significant cognitive decline or have a confirmed diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early microstructural changes in the entorhinal-hippocampus pathway to identify sensitive biomarkers for neurodegeneration associated with Alzheimer's disease. By focusing on the preclinical stage of the disease, the study aims to develop tools that can predict cognitive decline before symptoms appear. The approach involves advanced neuroimaging techniques to detect subtle changes in brain structure that may indicate the onset of Alzheimer's. This could lead to earlier interventions and better management of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis and intervention for Alzheimer's disease, potentially slowing its progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach focusing on the entorhinal-hippocampus pathway is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Uchida, Yuto — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Uchida, Yuto
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.