New MRI technique to study brain lipids in Alzheimer's disease
Development of an innovative Non-Invasive MR Imaging Technique for assessing Membrane Lipids and Their Properties in Alzheimer's Disease
['FUNDING_R21'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-10985343
This study is looking at a new, gentle MRI method to see how certain fats in the brain change with Alzheimer's disease, which could help us find new ways to diagnose the condition without any invasive tests.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10985343 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a non-invasive MRI imaging technique to assess the properties of membrane lipids in the brain, which may play a crucial role in Alzheimer's disease. By examining how these lipids change in response to amyloid-beta exposure, the study aims to uncover new insights into the biology of Alzheimer's and identify potential biomarkers for diagnosis. The innovative approach utilizes a nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) saturation transfer method, which has shown promising preliminary results in animal models. This technique could provide a way to diagnose Alzheimer's disease without the need for invasive procedures.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for or diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or neurological disorders unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease through non-invasive imaging.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant research on membrane lipids in Alzheimer's, this specific non-invasive imaging approach is novel and has not been extensively tested in human subjects.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZU, ZHONGLIANG — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: ZU, ZHONGLIANG
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer disease detection