Using advanced MRI techniques to detect early brain changes in Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Deep-Learning-Augmented Quantitative Gradient Recalled Echo (DLA-qGRE) MRI for in vivo Clinical Evaluation of Brain Microstructural Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer Disease
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10659833 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new MRI method that uses advanced technology to spot early changes in the brain linked to Alzheimer's disease, helping doctors diagnose and track the condition sooner and more effectively for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,991,759 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG082030-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10659833 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those who are amyloid positive but do not yet show clinical symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have any biomarkers indicating risk for the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new MRI technique called Deep-Learning-Augmented quantitative Gradient Recalled Echo (DLA-qGRE) to evaluate brain microstructural changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. By combining advanced imaging methods with deep learning algorithms, the study aims to identify early signs of neurodegeneration that occur long before clinical symptoms appear. This could allow for earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of Alzheimer's disease progression, potentially improving treatment outcomes. Patients will undergo MRI scans that can be performed on standard machines, although data analysis will require significant computational resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of Alzheimer's disease, ultimately improving patient care.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for early detection of neurodegenerative diseases, indicating that this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yablonskiy, Dmitriy a — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Yablonskiy, Dmitriy a
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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.