Mapping brain stiffness with MRI to find changes linked to Alzheimer's
Advancing MR elastography to map mechanical signatures of key AD/ADRD processes
Researchers are using a special MRI method that measures brain stiffness to find mechanical changes tied to Alzheimer’s and related dementias in people with memory problems or at risk.
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 ID | NIH-11238904 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would come to Mayo Clinic for a noninvasive MRI elastography scan that measures how stiff or soft different parts of your brain are. The team will compare those stiffness maps with other Alzheimer’s biomarkers (like amyloid and tau imaging and cognitive testing) to see how mechanical differences relate to symptoms and the brain's ability to cope with damage. They will use higher-resolution MRI elastography than prior work and combine imaging with detailed clinical and biomarker information. The project aims to link specific mechanical signatures to key processes in Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults with early Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, or people at higher risk who can safely undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia who cannot tolerate MRI or anyone with MRI contraindications (for example certain implanted devices) are unlikely to benefit directly from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a new noninvasive marker to help predict decline and personalize care for people with Alzheimer’s or early memory problems.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have shown reduced brain stiffness in Alzheimer’s and links to cognition, but using higher-resolution MR elastography to map specific disease processes is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murphy, Matthew Christopher — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Murphy, Matthew Christopher
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.