Investigating changes in brain fluid spaces related to aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Structural and diffusion changes of perivascular space in aging, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-10887556 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 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 | September 5, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $823,631 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG070825-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10887556 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults experiencing cognitive decline or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other severe neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choupan, Jeiran — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Choupan, Jeiran
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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.