Identifying MRI markers of thinking problems in autoimmune brain inflammation
Official title: Identifying imaging biomarkers of cognitive impairment in autoimmune encephalitis
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11384749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will look for MRI signs that relate to memory problems in people with autoimmune limbic encephalitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $80,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03NS144788-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384749 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with autoimmune limbic encephalitis and related cognitive symptoms who are undergoing MRI evaluation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ALE or without cognitive symptoms may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Autoimmune limbic encephalitis (ALE) inflames the brain’s memory areas and often leaves lasting cognitive trouble. This project will use advanced MRI techniques to find brain changes that correspond with cognitive symptoms in ALE patients and compare them with healthy individuals. The goal is to identify markers that could guide treatment decisions about continuing or adjusting immunosuppression. The study is designed for a short-term funding period and focuses on translating MRI findings into clinically useful information for patients. Participants will undergo MRI scans and cognitive assessments as part of routine care under close supervision.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors tailor treatments for ALE and provide clearer information about prognosis for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior imaging studies in autoimmune brain disorders have identified MRI markers, but reliable ALE-specific markers are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kunchok, Amy — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Kunchok, Amy
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Neurological Health with Brain Training for Mild Cognitive Impairment (INHANCE-MCI)
A computer-based brain training program is being tested to help people with mild cognitive impairment maintain thinking skills and daily functioning.
-
Global picture of dementia risk and memory loss across the world
A large international effort gathers data from many studies to understand how dementia and memory problems develop around the world, using shared information to reveal patterns and risk factors.
-
Blood stem cell changes linked to mild memory problems and worsening kidney function
This project will see if age-related changes in blood stem cells (clonal hematopoiesis) are tied to mild thinking problems and faster kidney decline in adults.
-
Proteins in brain-supporting cell vesicles linked to HIV-related cognitive issues
A study from the University of Puerto Rico investigates proteins in brain-cell vesicles found in blood and CSF to understand HIV-related cognitive impairment better.
-
GPR39-based treatment approach for aging-related brain vascular dementia
A new drug-style compound that activates GPR39 in the brain is being studied to help people with vascular dementia linked to aging.
-
Imaging tiny brain vessels to understand vascular dementia
A doctor-scientist is testing a high-resolution brain MRI method to see tiny blood vessels and blood flow in people with vascular cognitive impairment and related dementias.
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.