Investigating brain changes and risks from new Alzheimer's treatments
Official title: Blood-brain barrier and microstructural brain biomarkers of ARIA and treatment outcomes with anti-amyloid immunotherapy for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11052353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how new treatments for Alzheimer's disease might affect the brain, especially any potential risks, so we can better understand how to keep patients safe while using these therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $794,981 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG091503-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, particularly those who may be at higher genetic risk due to factors like the APOE4 allele.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia or those not diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how new anti-amyloid immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease affect the brain, particularly looking at potential risks like amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) and changes in brain structure. By examining the blood-brain barrier and microstructural brain biomarkers, the study aims to identify mechanisms that could predict and monitor these risks. The approach includes advanced imaging techniques to differentiate between harmless changes and harmful neurodegeneration, which is crucial for the safe use of these therapies in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatment guidelines for Alzheimer's disease, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding the effects of anti-amyloid therapies, but this specific investigation into the blood-brain barrier and ARIA is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reas, Emilie T. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Reas, Emilie T.
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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.