Modeling cerebrospinal fluid flow to find early signs of Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Patient specific computational modeling of fluid-structure interactions of cerebrospinal fluid for biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10644281 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $303,614 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG081836-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10644281 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those showing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those without any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fillingham, Patrick — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Fillingham, Patrick
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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.