Myelin-based imaging marker for early Alzheimer’s detection and cognitive change
Official title: Myelin fraction: a sensitive imaging maker for tau pathology propagation and early olfactory and cognitive deficits in AD
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-11440764 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small, patient-friendly study will test whether a noninvasive brain imaging measure of myelin can flag early Alzheimer’s changes before noticeable memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $235,950 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG103997-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11440764 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for or in early stages of Alzheimer’s disease who are willing to undergo MRI scanning and cognitive/olfactory testing.
✕Less likely to help
People with advanced dementia or those unable to undergo MRI may not benefit from this study.
What this research studies
This study uses a special MRI measure called Myelin Volume Fraction to see if early myelin changes accompany the start of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. Participants will include adults who are either amyloid-positive or amyloid-negative to compare myelin signals with olfactory and memory tests. The project also uses diffusion imaging and cognitive/olfactory assessments to map how myelin changes relate to brain networks involved in Alzheimer’s. Findings could help identify people at higher risk earlier and guide future treatments aimed at preserving myelin.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enable earlier risk screening and inform interventions to slow or prevent cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research suggests myelin-related changes accompany neurodegeneration, but this study seeks to link MVF to early olfactory and cognitive deficits in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karunanayaka, Prasanna Rasika — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Karunanayaka, Prasanna Rasika
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.