Portable high-resolution brain scanner for Alzheimer's
High-performance SPECT for dynamic brain imaging
This project will build a compact brain SPECT scanner to provide clearer, lower-dose images for people with Alzheimer's and other brain conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171747 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a portable SPECT camera with new high-resolution detectors to capture dynamic brain scans with about 4 mm detail and much higher sensitivity than current systems. The design emphasizes practical, lower-cost detector fabrication instead of very expensive semiconductor technology and optimizes detector and collimator geometry specifically for brain imaging. The goal is to enable lower radiation doses and repeated, longitudinal scans to track changes over time in Alzheimer's and related conditions. The project will include lab testing, phantom studies, performance validation, and steps toward human imaging at the study site.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Alzheimer's disease, mild cognitive impairment, or other dementia-related symptoms who need brain imaging would be the most likely candidates for future testing.
Not a fit: People without brain-related conditions or those who require different imaging types (for example PET for amyloid) may not see direct benefit from this scanner.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide clearer brain images at lower radiation doses and make it easier to follow Alzheimer's changes over time.
How similar studies have performed: Previous SPECT improvements using new collimators or semiconductor detectors have shown promise, but this lower-cost, detector-focused approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sabet, Hamid — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sabet, Hamid
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.