Improving MRI tracking of brain changes over time in Alzheimer's
A Longitudinal Analysis Stream for FreeSurfer
This project creates MRI-based tools to spot and track early brain changes in people with or at risk for Alzheimer's so treatment can be timed and monitored more safely.
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 ID | NIH-11298946 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are improving a software pipeline that compares MRI scans taken over time to detect subtle brain changes linked to Alzheimer's. By using serial scans rather than a single image, the tools aim to reduce normal anatomical variability and better reveal disease-related change. The team will apply and refine these algorithms on patient imaging data and datasets from clinical trials to improve sensitivity and specificity. The methods are intended to help measure treatment effects and detect imaging signs of side effects like brain swelling or bleeding.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with mild cognitive impairment, early-stage Alzheimer's, or those at elevated risk who can get repeated brain MRI scans are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without access to serial MRI imaging, those with advanced late-stage disease, or those whose symptoms are not caused by neurodegeneration may not benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, these tools could help identify Alzheimer's earlier and more accurately track how patients respond to treatments while spotting potential imaging side effects sooner.
How similar studies have performed: Longitudinal MRI approaches have previously shown better sensitivity to change than single-timepoint imaging, and recent drug trial results underline the need for improved imaging biomarkers.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fischl, Bruce — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Fischl, Bruce
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.