White matter changes after stroke and how they affect thinking and memory over time
Post-stroke normal appearing white matter diffusion properties and cognitive trajectories across age
This project looks at patterns in brain white matter after a stroke to understand who is more likely to have thinking and memory problems, especially older adults and groups at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work uses advanced MRI diffusion scans to look at white matter that appears normal on routine images and measures features like fractional anisotropy in regions including the corpus callosum. Researchers will follow people after an acute stroke with repeated cognitive testing over time to map thinking and memory trajectories. The team aims to include participants across ages and to focus on groups with higher stroke and dementia risk, including women and Black individuals. By linking imaging markers to later cognitive change, they hope to find early signs that predict progression toward Alzheimer’s-related dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people who recently experienced a stroke and can undergo MRI scans and follow-up cognitive testing, including older adults and individuals from Black and female demographics.
Not a fit: People without a history of stroke or those who cannot have MRI scans (for example, due to incompatible implants or severe illness) are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify people after stroke who are at higher risk of lasting cognitive decline so they can get earlier monitoring or targeted treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have found links between diffusion imaging measures and post-stroke impairment, but using these measures to predict long-term cognitive decline and progression to Alzheimer’s-related dementia is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ingo, Carson J — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Ingo, Carson J
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 below.