Improving MRI techniques to detect Alzheimer's disease early
Official title: Developing advanced diffusion MRI for early detection of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10914255 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on improving brain scans to spot early signs of Alzheimer's disease before symptoms show up, helping older adults get diagnosed sooner and potentially receive better treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $110,092 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG080076-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914255 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who do not have any risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify early brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) before symptoms appear. By developing advanced imaging protocols, the project aims to improve the accuracy and specificity of detecting microstructural changes in the brain, particularly in regions critical to the progression of AD. The approach is non-invasive and leverages high-resolution imaging techniques to provide better insights into brain health for older adults. Patients may benefit from earlier diagnosis and more effective interventions as a result of this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease, allowing for timely interventions that may slow disease progression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced MRI techniques for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach may yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dai, Erpeng — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dai, Erpeng
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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.