Modeling cerebrospinal fluid flow to find early signs of Alzheimer's disease

Patient specific computational modeling of fluid-structure interactions of cerebrospinal fluid for biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10644281

This study is looking to create a new way to understand how fluid moves in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease, using special MRI scans to help spot early signs of the condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10644281 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a non-invasive computational model that simulates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and its interaction with brain tissue in patients with Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced MRI scans and patient-specific computational fluid dynamics, the study seeks to quantify how CSF flow is affected by changes in brain tissue stiffness, which may be linked to the early development of Alzheimer's pathology. The goal is to create a reliable method for early detection of Alzheimer's by analyzing these fluid-structure interactions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving patient outcomes and treatment options.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using non-invasive imaging techniques to study cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.