Mapping brain health changes related to aging
Official title: Homeostatic modeling of functional neuroimaging data in humans: a novel methodology to obtain brain maps of tissue pCO2, pO2 and pH in aging
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11168896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects how our brains work by checking blood flow and energy use in the brain, using special imaging tools, to help us understand why some older adults may have trouble with thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,193 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087526-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11168896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive changes or those at risk for dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing cognitive decline or are significantly younger may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging affects brain function by examining changes in blood flow and metabolic processes in the brain. Using advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET, the study aims to create detailed maps of brain tissue levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and pH. The novel methodology integrates neurovascular coupling with metabolic processes to better understand how these factors influence cognitive function in older adults. By analyzing these relationships, the research seeks to provide insights into the mechanisms behind age-related cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for cognitive decline associated with aging.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar imaging techniques to study brain function, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mangia, Silvia — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Mangia, Silvia
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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.