Understanding brain fluid spaces in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Structural and diffusion changes of perivascular space in aging, cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease
This project explores how tiny fluid-filled spaces in the brain change as we age and in people with early Alzheimer's disease.
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 ID | NIH-11134722 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our brains have tiny spaces around blood vessels, called perivascular spaces, which are important for clearing waste. While animal studies have shown how these spaces work, we need to learn more about them in humans. This project uses advanced MRI scans to map the size and fluid movement within these spaces in healthy older adults and those with early Alzheimer's disease. We believe these characteristics will be different in people experiencing cognitive decline, offering new insights into Alzheimer's disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies might include healthy older adults and individuals in the early stages of cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or other neurological conditions not related to perivascular space changes may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand the early stages of Alzheimer's disease and potentially lead to new ways to detect or treat it.
How similar studies have performed: While animal studies have clarified how these brain spaces work, this project aims to develop more precise ways to map them in humans, which is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choupan, Jeiran — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Choupan, Jeiran
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.