Investigating changes in brain fluid spaces related to aging and Alzheimer's disease

Structural and diffusion changes of perivascular space in aging, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10887556

This study is looking at special spaces in the brain that help remove waste, to see how they change as we age and in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, so we can better understand brain health and find early signs of cognitive decline.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10887556 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding the perivascular spaces (PVS) in the brain, which are crucial for clearing metabolic waste. By using advanced imaging techniques, the study aims to map the characteristics of these spaces in healthy aging and how they change in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to provide insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's and potentially identify early indicators of cognitive decline. Patients may undergo non-invasive imaging to help researchers gather data on brain health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing cognitive decline or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and early detection of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain fluid dynamics in animal models, but this approach in humans is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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 syndrome
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.