Non-invasive MRI to detect blood vessel changes linked to Alzheimer's
Non-Invasive Imaging Markers to Elicit the Role of Vascular Involvement in Alzheimer’s Disease
This project uses advanced, non-invasive 4D flow MRI to look for blood-vessel and blood-flow changes in people with or at risk for Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11258535 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would get advanced 4D flow MRI scans that measure blood flow and vessel motion in the brain over time. Images would be taken in people with or at higher risk for Alzheimer’s across multiple visits to see whether vascular changes relate to memory decline and other disease markers. These MRI methods capture dynamic hemodynamics rather than the indirect signs seen on standard scans. If consistent vascular patterns are found, researchers hope this could point to earlier detection or new treatment directions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer's, or those at increased risk (for example due to family history or biomarkers) who can undergo MRI scans.
Not a fit: People who cannot safely have MRI (for example due to incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia, or inability to travel for scans) or whose dementia has no vascular component may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of vascular contributions to Alzheimer’s and point to new ways to slow or prevent dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Prior imaging studies have linked vascular disease to Alzheimer's, but using dynamic 4D flow MRI to directly measure cerebral hemodynamics is relatively new and still experimental.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Kevin Michael — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Kevin Michael
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.