Measuring how brain tissue and fluid dynamics affect waste clearance in the brain
Official title: In Vivo Measurement of Human Brain Tissue, Blood, and CSF Dynamics Supporting Glymphatic Function
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11067037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain gets rid of waste to help prevent problems like Alzheimer's disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding brain health better, especially those with neurological conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31NS141336-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, particularly those experiencing cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute neurological injuries or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms of waste clearance in the brain, which is crucial for preventing the accumulation of harmful misfolded proteins associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Using advanced MRI techniques, the study aims to measure the dynamics of brain tissue, blood flow, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in real-time. By understanding how these factors interact, the research seeks to uncover new insights into the brain's natural clearance processes and how they may be enhanced to improve patient outcomes. This approach could lead to the development of noninvasive tools for monitoring brain health in individuals with neurological diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that enhance the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins, potentially slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI techniques to study brain dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights into brain function and disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strom, Amelia — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Strom, Amelia
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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.