Investigating brain imaging markers in early Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline
Official title: Locus Coeruleus Imaging Markers in Preclinical Alzheimers disease, Cerebrovascular Disease and Cognitive Decline
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11088865 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tiny part of the brain called the locus coeruleus to see how it changes in older adults, helping us understand the differences between those who age well and those who may develop Alzheimer's or other memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,607,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082073-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088865 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline, particularly those with early signs of cognitive changes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing any cognitive decline or do not have risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on examining brain imaging markers in a small brainstem area known as the locus coeruleus, which plays a crucial role in cognitive function. The study aims to compare these markers in older adults who age healthily versus those who develop Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline. By tracking changes in these imaging markers over time, the research seeks to enhance our understanding of how early brain changes can indicate the progression of Alzheimer's and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using brain imaging markers to track cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nation, Daniel a — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Nation, Daniel a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
-
Remote monitoring of Alzheimer’s changes in adults with Down syndrome
A study tests remote (at-home) ways to track Alzheimer’s-related thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome.
-
Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101: a microglial therapy approach to protect memory in Alzheimer’s disease
A Mayo Clinic team is studying a protein called TSG101 in brain immune cells to slow or prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
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.