Investigating blood-brain barrier changes in Alzheimer's disease risk among minority populations
Official title: Non-invasive in-vivo BBB imaging: APOE4 and WM aging in US minority population
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11060393 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene linked to Alzheimer's disease affects the protective barrier in the brain of older adults from minority backgrounds, using a special MRI technique to spot early signs of changes that could lead to memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $452,561 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG091815-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060393 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults from minority backgrounds who carry the APOE4 allele and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not carry the APOE4 allele or are not part of the targeted minority populations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the E4 allele of apolipoprotein E (APOE4), a major genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, affects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in older adults from minority backgrounds. Using a non-invasive MRI technique called multi-delay arterial spin labeling (ASL), the study aims to detect early changes in the BBB that may precede cognitive decline. By analyzing longitudinal data from participants, the research seeks to uncover the relationship between BBB breakdown and neurodegenerative processes, providing insights into Alzheimer's disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease risk and improved strategies for prevention and treatment in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that non-invasive imaging techniques can effectively assess brain health, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koo, Bang-Bon — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Koo, Bang-Bon
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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.