Mapping blood flow in the brain to understand Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Velocity-Selective Arterial Spin Labeling based Perfusion Mapping for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10662909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a safe and easy way to measure blood flow in the brain using a special MRI technique, which could help doctors tell the difference between Alzheimer's and other age-related conditions, all in one visit to improve care for older adults facing memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,448,470 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG082243-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10662909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are experiencing cognitive decline or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 21 or do not have cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how to effectively measure blood flow in the brain using a technique called arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI, which does not require contrast agents or radiation. The goal is to create reliable maps of cerebral blood flow that can help differentiate between Alzheimer's disease and other conditions affecting the elderly, such as cerebrovascular disease. By combining structural and perfusion MRI in a single visit, the study aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient care for those suffering from cognitive decline. The research focuses on developing a standardized protocol for assessing brain perfusion in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools for Alzheimer's disease, allowing for earlier and more accurate detection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ASL MRI for brain perfusion mapping, indicating that this approach could be effective in understanding Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Qin, Qin — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Qin, Qin
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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.