Using Deuterium MRI to examine brain metabolism in Alzheimer's Disease

Imaging cerebral metabolic impairment in AD using Deuterium MRI

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11016962

This study is exploring a new way to take pictures of how the brain uses energy in people with Alzheimer's Disease, which could help us understand the disease better and find new treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11016962 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a new imaging technique called deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI) to assess how Alzheimer's Disease affects brain metabolism. By using a stable isotope, this method aims to provide a clearer picture of metabolic processes in the brain, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of the disease. Unlike traditional imaging methods, DMI offers insights into glucose metabolism beyond just glucose uptake, potentially revealing critical information about disease progression. This innovative approach seeks to overcome the limitations of existing imaging techniques, making it a promising tool for studying Alzheimer's.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of dementia not related to Alzheimer's may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with Alzheimer's Disease.

How similar studies have performed: While deuterium MRI is a novel approach, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in other areas of metabolic research.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
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.