Understanding how cerebrospinal fluid flow affects Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment
Official title: Intrinsic CSF outflow metrics for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11086176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the flow of fluid in the brain might affect memory and thinking in older adults with Alzheimer's or mild cognitive issues, and it will use special imaging to see how things like sleep and exercise could play a role in keeping our brains healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,104 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087407-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 65 and older who may be experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for 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 the role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults. By examining how the glymphatic system, which helps clear waste from the brain, functions in humans, the study aims to identify potential contributors to cognitive decline. The research will utilize advanced imaging techniques to observe CSF dynamics and assess how factors like sleep and physical activity may influence this process. Participants may undergo non-invasive imaging to help understand the relationship between CSF flow and cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animal models have shown promising results regarding glymphatic clearance and cognitive function, but this research aims to translate those findings to human subjects.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miyazaki, Mitsue — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Miyazaki, Mitsue
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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.