NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Investigating how fluid movement in the brain changes with aging and Alzheimer's disease

Official title: Map Paravascular Fluid Dynamic Signatures of Key Aging and AD Processes Using Dynamics Diffusion-Weighted Imaging

Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-10739365 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the fluid in your brain moves as you get older and how it might be affected by Alzheimer's disease, using a special imaging technique to help us understand these changes better, and it's open to people of all ages to see how different health conditions play a role.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIndiana University Indianapolis
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Indianapolis, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$2,317,887
NIH project number1RF1AG083762-01
Project IDNIH-10739365 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 18 to 82, particularly those with concerns about cognitive decline or a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with neurological conditions unrelated to aging or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the dynamics of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, particularly how it is affected by aging and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a new imaging technique called dynamic diffusion-weighted imaging (dDWI), the study aims to visualize and measure the movement of CSF around blood vessels in the brain. By understanding these fluid dynamics, researchers hope to uncover how disruptions in this system may contribute to the development of AD and cognitive decline. The study will involve participants across a wide age range to assess how these processes change with age and health conditions like hypertension.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of Alzheimer's disease and potentially identify new targets for treatment.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding cerebrospinal fluid dynamics in relation to Alzheimer's disease, making this approach both innovative and grounded in prior findings.

Where this research is happening

  • Indiana University Indianapolis
    Indianapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Wen, Qiuting — Indiana University Indianapolis
  • Study coordinator: Wen, Qiuting

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.