Understanding brain communication pathways in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Functional Networks of White Matter in Alzheimer's Disease and their Associations with Cognitive Decline
Funded at New Jersey Institute of Technology · NIH-11142481 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain, called white matter, might influence thinking and memory changes in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how the brain works as we age or face cognitive challenges.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New Jersey Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $594,285 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG085665-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11142481 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older, particularly those with mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how white matter in the brain affects cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) by using advanced imaging techniques. It aims to characterize the functional connectivity of white matter regions and their relationship with gray matter in individuals with typical aging, mild cognitive impairment, and AD. By analyzing data from over 5,200 subjects, the study seeks to uncover the underlying neurophysiology of AD and how it relates to cognitive functions. This could help in identifying biomarkers for disease progression and improving patient care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potentially new strategies for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding brain connectivity in healthy adults, but this study aims to explore these connections specifically in aging and Alzheimer's populations, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
New Jersey Institute of Technology
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Biswal, Bharat Bhusan — New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Biswal, Bharat Bhusan
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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.