Mapping brain networks for memory and thinking during aging
Exploring Cognitive Aging Using Reference Ability Neural Networks
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11163319
Researchers use brain scans of adults aged 20–80 while they do thinking tasks to find brain patterns linked to memory, thinking speed, problem-solving, and vocabulary.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11163319 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project uses functional MRI while adults aged 20–80 complete a set of 12 cognitive tasks that tap four core abilities: episodic memory, perceptual speed, fluid reasoning, and vocabulary. Researchers apply advanced spatial covariance and other imaging analyses to identify latent, brain-wide networks associated with each reference ability. They compare these multi-task networks to typical single-task approaches to highlight brain patterns related to normal aging and early, preclinical Alzheimer's changes. The aim is to create reliable brain markers that could eventually help spot Alzheimer's risk earlier than current methods.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (including middle-aged and older adults) who can safely undergo MRI and are willing to complete multiple cognitive tasks, especially those interested in aging or early Alzheimer's brain changes.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia, implanted metal or other MRI contraindications, or severe medical/psychiatric conditions that prevent completing scans and tasks are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal brain patterns that indicate early Alzheimer's-related changes and support earlier or more targeted prevention and monitoring.
How similar studies have performed: Previous fMRI work has mapped networks for memory and cognition, but defining stable 'reference ability' networks across many tasks and ages is a more novel and promising direction.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: STERN, YAAKOV — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: STERN, YAAKOV
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease