Improved MRI mapping of brain blood flow for people with Alzheimer's
Velocity-Selective Arterial Spin Labeling based Perfusion Mapping for Alzheimer's Disease
This project uses a new MRI technique to measure brain blood flow in older adults with or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11374054 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be scanned using a special MRI method that measures blood flow in the brain without any injection or radiation. The team combines this blood-flow scan with routine structural MRI in a single clinic visit to make participation easier for older adults. The technique, called velocity-selective arterial spin labeling, is designed to avoid misleading low-flow signals that can happen with age and small vessel disease. Researchers aim to standardize and validate these blood-flow maps so they are reliable for detecting vascular problems that may add to Alzheimer's-related decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or those at increased risk who can safely undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People who cannot have MRI (for example due to metal implants, pacemakers, or severe claustrophobia) or those with very advanced illness unlikely to tolerate scanning may not benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give patients a safer, noninvasive way to detect and track blood-flow problems that contribute to memory loss and dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Other forms of arterial spin labeling MRI have shown promise for measuring cerebral blood flow, but this velocity-selective approach is newer and still needs validation in Alzheimer's populations.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qin, Qin — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Qin, Qin
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 below.