Investigating brain changes in aging and Alzheimer's disease

Microstructural changes in gray and white matter in aging and AD

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11060878

This study is looking at how Alzheimer's disease changes the brain's structure before any symptoms show up, using special MRI scans to see how brain cells and their connections are affected in people who might be at risk, with the goal of finding early signs of the disease to help with better understanding and treatment.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11060878 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects the brain's microstructure, particularly in gray and white matter, even before symptoms appear. Using advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to measure changes in brain cells and their connections in individuals at risk for AD. By analyzing these microstructural changes alongside cognitive performance and amyloid and tau pathology, researchers hope to identify early indicators of the disease. This approach could lead to better understanding and potential early interventions for Alzheimer's.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and intervention strategies for Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques to detect early brain changes associated with Alzheimer's, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.