Measuring brain inflammation in Parkinson's disease using advanced MRI techniques
Official title: Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging for Measurement of Neuroinflammation in Parkinson Disease
Funded at St. Louis VA Medical Center · NIH-10980522 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new MRI method to see how inflammation in the brain affects veterans with Parkinson's disease, which could help doctors track the disease better and find ways to slow it down.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Louis VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (St. Louis, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002316-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10980522 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, particularly veterans who are affected by this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurodegenerative diseases or those without a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative condition that affects many veterans, leading to both motor and cognitive symptoms. The study aims to develop a new MRI technique called Diffusion Basis Spectrum Imaging (DBSI) to measure neuroinflammation in the brains of individuals with Parkinson's. By comparing DBSI results with established imaging and tissue analysis methods, the research seeks to validate this technique as a reliable biomarker for tracking disease progression. This could help in developing therapies that slow down the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for monitoring Parkinson's disease progression and developing targeted therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully utilized similar imaging techniques in other neurodegenerative diseases, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Louis VA Medical Center
St. Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Robert L — St. Louis VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: White, Robert L
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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.