Personalized Brain Connectome Framework for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
Official title: Developing an Individualized Deep Connectome Framework for ADRD Analysis
Funded at University of Texas Arlington · NIH-11393607 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at improving how we diagnose and understand Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementias by creating a personalized brain map using advanced computer methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Arlington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Arlington, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $339,299 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS128534-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11393607 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (65+) who may be affected by AD, Lewy body dementia, or related dementias and who undergo brain imaging as part of care or research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to advanced MRI imaging or who do not meet imaging data requirements may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project will use individual brain imaging data to map unique patterns of brain networks in people with AD and related dementias. It develops new methods to define personal brain regions (GyralNets) and to align these maps from groups to each person using unsupervised learning. The goal is to uncover individual connectome differences that differentiate AD from Lewy body dementias, which could lead to better, more tailored diagnoses. The work combines cutting-edge deep learning with MRI data to handle the natural variability seen in patients. A future benefit could be more precise treatment decisions based on a person’s unique brain network profile.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may receive more accurate diagnoses and personalized management plans for AD and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows potential in using brain networks to distinguish dementia types, but this project focuses on individualized connectome representations, which is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Arlington
Arlington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhu, Dajiang — University of Texas Arlington
- Study coordinator: Zhu, Dajiang
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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.