Improving detection of brain atrophy in Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia
Official title: Robust detection of atrophy over short intervals in AD and FTLD
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11082273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new MRI methods to help doctors spot changes in the brains of people with Alzheimer's and frontotemporal dementia more quickly and accurately, which could lead to earlier diagnoses and better tracking of how the disease is progressing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $817,999 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG081249-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease or behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia not covered by this research may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the detection of brain atrophy in patients with Alzheimer's disease and frontotemporal dementia using advanced MRI techniques. By taking multiple rapid and precise measurements over shorter intervals, the study aims to identify changes in brain structure more effectively than traditional methods, which typically assess atrophy over longer periods. The goal is to validate these new MRI measures against established techniques and clinical assessments, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of neurodegenerative changes, allowing for timely interventions and improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for detecting neurodegeneration, suggesting that this approach may yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dickerson, Bradford C — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Dickerson, Bradford C
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.