Using advanced imaging to study energy production in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Hyperpolarized MR-PET for evaluating mitochondrial function and availability in an Alzheimers Disease Model
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10867715 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how energy production in brain cells changes in people with Alzheimer's disease, using a special imaging technique to see these changes early on, which could help find new treatments for the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $456,394 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086721-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10867715 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are at risk for or have early-stage Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those with other forms of dementia unrelated to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production in brain cells, is affected in Alzheimer's disease. By utilizing hyperpolarized MR-PET imaging, the study aims to evaluate the availability and function of mitochondria in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's. This approach allows researchers to observe metabolic changes that occur early in the disease process, potentially before significant symptoms appear. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and innovative treatments for Alzheimer's disease by targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using imaging techniques to study metabolic dysfunction in Alzheimer's, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yen, Yi-Fen — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Yen, Yi-Fen
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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.