Investigating how aging and neurodegeneration affect brain function and behavior.
Official title: Longitudinal effects of aging and neurodegeneration on structure-function and brain-behavior relationships
Funded at Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NIH-11216566 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the brain as we get older can affect our thinking and behavior, and it aims to find clues that could help doctors better diagnose and treat memory and thinking problems related to aging and brain diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $80,356 |
| NIH project number | 4K00AG079810-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11216566 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are experiencing cognitive decline or neurodegenerative symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing any cognitive decline or neurodegenerative symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between brain structure and function as people age and experience neurodegeneration. Using advanced imaging techniques like functional MRI (fMRI), the study aims to understand how variations in brain activity relate to cognitive performance and behavior. By examining these dynamics, the research seeks to identify potential biomarkers that could improve diagnosis and treatment for age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. Patients may be monitored over time to assess changes in brain activity and cognitive function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for age-related cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using fMRI to study brain function in aging populations, indicating that this approach has potential for significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goodale, Sarah E — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Goodale, Sarah E
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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.