Mapping brain blood flow in Lewy body dementia without contrast agents
Official title: Non-Contrast-Enhanced MRI for Brain Perfusion Mapping of Lewy Body Dementia
Funded at Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · NIH-10984826 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Lewy body dementia affects thinking and memory in people, especially those with Parkinson's disease, by using a safe MRI scan to measure blood flow in the brain, which can help us understand how the condition changes over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $420,683 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS139369-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984826 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Lewy body dementia or Parkinson's disease dementia, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia or related cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding cognitive impairment in patients with Lewy body dementia, which is often associated with Parkinson's disease. It utilizes a non-invasive imaging technique called velocity-selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) to measure cerebral blood flow, a key indicator of brain health. By improving the accuracy of brain perfusion mapping, the study aims to provide insights into the progression of dementia and enhance monitoring of cognitive functions over time. Patients will undergo MRI scans that do not require contrast agents, making the process safer and more accessible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and monitoring methods for patients with Lewy body dementia, ultimately improving their care and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques for brain perfusion mapping, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Dan — Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Dan
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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.