Understanding brain health and vulnerability in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Spatial signatures of brain health and vulnerability in aging and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11045725 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain changes as we get older and in people with Alzheimer's disease, using special imaging technology to find patterns that show brain health, so we can better understand how the disease develops over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $189,241 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG084251-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045725 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage Alzheimer's or those without any cognitive decline may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the brain changes with age and in Alzheimer's disease by using advanced imaging technology to analyze brain samples. It aims to identify specific patterns and markers that indicate brain health and vulnerability, moving beyond traditional methods that focus on individual markers. By employing a technique called cytometry time-of-flight imaging mass cytometry, the study will provide a comprehensive view of brain pathology, helping to understand how Alzheimer's disease progresses over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better understanding of Alzheimer's disease, potentially improving treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise using advanced imaging techniques to analyze brain pathology, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cohen, Todd Jonathan — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Cohen, Todd Jonathan
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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.