Improving brain imaging techniques for Alzheimer's and related dementias
Official title: High Resolution MRSI for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11082515 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving brain scans to better see how Alzheimer's and related dementias affect brain metabolism, and it's designed for people aged 40-80 who have mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $689,810 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087159-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082515 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 40-80 with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance brain imaging methods using high-resolution magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to better understand metabolic changes in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The project will address technical challenges that have limited the clinical use of MRSI, such as low sensitivity and spatial resolution. By developing new methods for data acquisition and analysis, the researchers hope to create a detailed metabolic atlas for individuals aged 40-80. This work will involve collaboration among experts from the University of Iowa, University of California San Francisco, and GE Healthcare, and will include evaluations of patients with mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using MRSI for studying neurodegenerative disorders, but this approach aims to overcome existing limitations, making it a novel advancement.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Magnotta, Vincent a — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Magnotta, Vincent a
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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.