Investigating brain metabolism in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Brain metabolism during task-evoked and spontaneous activity in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10585419 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain uses energy during everyday activities and tasks in older adults and those with Alzheimer's, using special imaging tools to see how these changes affect brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,289,625 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG074992-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10585419 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those aged 21 and above, with or without Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have any cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how brain metabolism changes during tasks and spontaneous activities in older adults and those with Alzheimer's disease. Using advanced imaging techniques like PET and MRI, the study will measure the metabolic rates of oxygen and glucose in the brain, allowing researchers to explore how these rates relate to brain activity. By comparing data from both healthy older adults and those with Alzheimer's, the research seeks to uncover how aging and disease impact brain function and metabolism during cognitive tasks.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential new treatments for cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain metabolism and activity, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vlassenko, Andrei G. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Vlassenko, Andrei G.
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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.