Shape-based personalized imaging markers for Alzheimer’s disease
Official title: Shape-based personalized AT(N) imaging markers of Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11463264 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to create personalized brain imaging markers for Alzheimer’s disease by mapping where brain changes occur in individuals, with a focus on African American and Mexican American populations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $746,832 |
| NIH project number | 4R01AG077578-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463264 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease, especially individuals from African American and Mexican American populations.
✕Less likely to help
People without or with minimal risk/early disease may not benefit from personalized imaging markers.
What this research studies
This project will develop new 3-D brain imaging markers that capture individual patterns of amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration. By using advanced shape analysis, researchers hope to describe how Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently across people rather than relying on average brain measures. The work also investigates how these markers behave in diverse groups, including African American and Mexican American communities, to improve early detection. The approach combines existing imaging data with novel algorithms to highlight personalized disease trajectories.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease in diverse populations by tailoring imaging interpretations to the individual.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show promise for advanced shape analysis in brain imaging, but personalized AT(N) markers in diverse populations are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Yonggang — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Shi, Yonggang
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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.