Non-contrast MRI to map brain blood flow in Lewy body dementia
Non-Contrast-Enhanced MRI for Brain Perfusion Mapping of Lewy Body Dementia
This project uses a non-contrast MRI technique to map brain blood flow in people with Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11370299 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have painless MRI scans that do not require contrast dye and that measure blood flow in different parts of the brain. The team uses an advanced arterial spin labeling method called velocity-selective ASL with 3D imaging to get clearer and more reliable perfusion maps, especially in older adults. Scans are intended to be repeated over time to watch how blood flow changes as cognition changes. The goal is to link those blood flow patterns to symptoms so doctors can better monitor disease progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies or Parkinson’s disease with cognitive impairment who can safely undergo MRI and attend repeated visits.
Not a fit: People with MRI-incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or without Lewy body-related cognitive problems are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give patients a safe, repeatable imaging biomarker to track disease progression and help guide care and future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Conventional ASL has been used for brain perfusion mapping and newer velocity-selective ASL approaches are promising but remain relatively novel for Lewy body dementia.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Dan — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Dan
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.