Understanding myelin loss in Alzheimer's disease

Quantifying myelin degeneration in AD

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10890404

This study is looking at how the protective covering around nerve fibers, called myelin, changes in people with Alzheimer's disease, and it hopes to find new ways to help improve thinking and memory by understanding how myelin affects the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10890404 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of myelin, the protective sheath around nerve fibers, in the progression of Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced imaging techniques and molecular profiling, the study aims to create detailed maps of myelin integrity and its relationship with known Alzheimer's pathologies like amyloid and tau. Patients may benefit from insights into how myelin degeneration affects cognitive functions, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. The research combines innovative synchrotron X-ray imaging with lipidomics and proteomics to provide a comprehensive understanding of myelin's role in Alzheimer's.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or those exhibiting early signs of cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia or cognitive impairment unrelated to Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools and treatments that target myelin degeneration in Alzheimer's patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of integrating myelin imaging with molecular profiling is novel, previous studies have shown promising results in understanding myelin's role in neurodegenerative diseases.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.