Mapping brain stiffness to understand Alzheimer's disease processes
Official title: Advancing MR elastography to map mechanical signatures of key AD/ADRD processes
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10982474 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the stiffness of the brain might relate to memory and thinking problems in people with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, using a safe and painless imaging technique to help doctors better understand and treat these issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $397,775 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076636-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982474 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias who are experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's disease may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on using advanced magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to measure the mechanical properties of the brain, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). By assessing brain stiffness, the study aims to uncover how structural changes in the brain correlate with cognitive dysfunction in individuals with AD. The approach involves noninvasive imaging techniques to gather data on brain biomechanics, which could lead to improved prognostic assessments and therapeutic guidance for patients. The research seeks to address the variability in disease progression and cognitive decline among individuals by providing objective measures of brain reserve.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in using brain stiffness as a biomarker for cognitive function, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Matthew Christopher — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Matthew Christopher
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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.