Investigating how aging affects brain metabolism and its link to Alzheimer's disease.
White Matter Metabolism in the Context of Aging, White Matter Hyperintensities and Alzheimer's Disease
This study is looking at how changes in the brain's white matter might be linked to Alzheimer's disease by using special brain scans to see how the brain uses energy in both healthy people and those with white matter changes, hoping to find new clues about why thinking skills can decline as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11212110 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding white matter hyperintensities (WMH) in the aging brain and their relationship to Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced PET scanning techniques, the study aims to measure brain metabolism, particularly glycolysis, in both healthy adults and those with WMH. The researchers will compare metabolic data with MRI imaging to explore how these factors interact over time. This approach may uncover new insights into the mechanisms behind cognitive decline associated with aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 21 and older, particularly those experiencing cognitive deficits or white matter hyperintensities.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 or do not exhibit any cognitive impairments or white matter hyperintensities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for cognitive decline in aging populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies have shown promising results regarding the role of glycolysis in brain metabolism, but this specific approach in humans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vlassenko, Andrei G. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Vlassenko, Andrei G.
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.