Investigating brain energy metabolism in Alzheimer's disease using advanced imaging techniques
Simultaneous PET/MR Imaging of Brain Glucose and Oxygen Metabolism to Assess Energy Deficits Related to Alzheimer's Disease and the Response to Intervention
This study is looking at how the brain's energy use changes in people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, using special imaging techniques to see how well the brain is using sugar and oxygen, and it hopes to find ways to improve brain function with dietary supplements.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061119 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how energy metabolism in the brain is affected in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By using a combination of positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the study aims to noninvasively measure glucose and oxygen metabolism in the brain during a single imaging session. This approach will help identify metabolic dysfunctions that may contribute to cognitive decline and assess the effectiveness of potential interventions, such as ketogenic dietary supplements, aimed at improving brain energy production.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients with Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving their cognitive function and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in using imaging techniques to study brain metabolism, but this specific combination of PET and MRI for Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wehrli, Felix W — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wehrli, Felix W
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.