Understanding brain fluid spaces in aging and Alzheimer's disease

Who could benefit from this research

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.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of Southern California
  Los Angeles, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Choupan, Jeiran — University of Southern California
• Study coordinator: Choupan, Jeiran

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• How immune cells in the body versus the brain affect memory loss in aging and Alzheimer's

  Researchers are comparing whether immune cells in the blood or immune cells in the brain drive memory loss in older adults and people with Alzheimer's.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11297552

• Addressing Alzheimer’s and related dementias and metal exposure in older adults in Bangladesh

  This project looks at how lifetime exposure to metals might influence memory loss and dementia risk in people aged 65 and older in Bangladesh, with the goal of finding early blood biomarkers.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11232593

• Investigating changes in brain fluid spaces related to aging and Alzheimer's disease

  This study is looking at special spaces in the brain that help remove waste, to see how they change as we age and in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease, so we can better understand brain health and find early signs of cognitive decline.

  NIH research University of Southern California · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-10887556

• Investigating how breathing problems after a stroke affect thinking skills in older adults with Alzheimer's disease.

  This study is looking at how breathing problems after a stroke might affect thinking and memory in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's or certain brain conditions, to find ways to help improve both breathing and brain health.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-10875715

• Investigating how immune responses in the body and brain affect cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer's disease

  This study is looking at how immune cells in the brain and body affect memory and thinking problems that come with aging and Alzheimer's disease, and it’s for older adults who want to understand more about what might help keep their minds sharp.

  NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-10524957

• How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk

  This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11617103

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.