Mapping early brain changes in Alzheimer’s to find modifiable risks
Causal and Event Based Modeling of Brain Alterations in ADRD
Researchers will use brain scans, genetic information, and lifestyle data from older adults with AI models to reveal early brain changes linked to Alzheimer’s and possible things you could change to lower risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251816 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would contribute brain imaging (MRI/PET), blood/genetic samples, and lifestyle and health history that researchers analyze with AI and statistical models. The team will build causal and event‑based maps showing how different brain biomarkers change over time instead of reducing the brain to a single measure. They aim to identify which changes come first and which lifestyle or genetic factors might delay or resist decline. Work will combine existing cohort datasets with new analyses and may ask participants for scans, samples, or health questionnaires.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 and older, including people with early memory concerns or who are at risk for Alzheimer’s and who can provide imaging and health information.
Not a fit: People under 65, those with non‑Alzheimer’s neurological conditions, or those unable to provide imaging or health data may not see direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable earlier detection of Alzheimer’s patterns and point to lifestyle or genetic targets that might delay or prevent dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Previous neuroimaging and AI work has identified Alzheimer’s biomarkers, but applying causal and event‑based modeling to pinpoint modifiable factors is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jahanshad, Neda — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Jahanshad, Neda
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.