# MR SPECTROSCOPIC BRAIN IMAGING IN AGING AND DEMENTIA

> **NIH NIH R01** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 1993 · $179,421

## Abstract

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRS imaging) is a promising new
approach for the in vivo study of degenerative brain disorders.  The
major MRS-visible components of a water-suppressed brain proton spectrum
are N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) (observed primarily in living neurons),
creatine (an energy metabolite), and choline (a precursor to
acetylcholine and also a constituent of cell membrane synthesis).  We
have recently used proton MRS to produce axial images of regional brain
distribution of NAA, choline and creatine.  In this project, we propose
to further develop a system for proton spectroscopic imaging of all parts
of the human brain which will be robust to the problems of inhomogeneity
and susceptibility and will produce metabolic images that can be readily
interpreted.  In addition we will develop a method for quantification of
spectroscopic data which will provide reliable regional concentration
measurements.  MRS imaging will be used to develop normative values for
NAA, choline and creatine concentrations and distributions found across
the age range of 50-80 in healthy community members and to examine
alterations in metabolite concentrations and distributions in Alzheimer's
disease (AD) patients.  All subjects will be retested after a 2-year
interval to determine change with normal aging and disease progression.
An age-regression model will be used to identify heterogeneity within the
AD group based on age of disease onset.  In addition, we will investigate
hypothesized associations between metabolite concentrations, volumes of
white and grey matter in defined regions of interest, and performance on
tests of specific cognitive functions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3123375
- **Project number:** 1R01AG011427-01
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **SAM.gov UEI:** HJD6G4D6TJY5
- **Principal Investigator:** Adolf Pfefferbaum
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $179,421
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 1993-07-01 → 1998-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3123375

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3123375, MR SPECTROSCOPIC BRAIN IMAGING IN AGING AND DEMENTIA (1R01AG011427-01). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3123375. Licensed CC0.

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