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Longitudinal effects of aging and neurodegeneration on structure-function and brain-behavior relationships

Award Number: K00AG079810
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 12/01/2022
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2029

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Longitudinal effects of aging and neurodegeneration on structure-function and brain-behavior relationships - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful non-invasive tool for imaging brain activity that allows for investigating the dynamically changing activity patterns and structure that give rise to human brain function and dysfunction. Functional MRI (fMRI) signal variations linked with vigilance states, and the subcortical-cortical networks that underlie these fluctuations in vigilance, are being increasingly recognized as fMRI signals of interest both for neuroscience and in studying disease. However, vigilance has been largely ignored in routine fMRI studies, despite the fact that subjects tend to fall asleep in the scanner and certain patient populations may be susceptible to fatigue or daytime sleepiness. More precisely characterizing the role of vigilance in disease, and its effects in fMRI data, could be key for developing imaging biomarkers as well as improving treatment. My doctoral work thus far, (Aim 1.1) developed a method for extracting a vigilance metric, based on fMRI data alone, using a vigilance-related activity pattern built from correlations between simultaneous fMRI-EEG in healthy young adults. For my F99 phase, I will (Aim 1.2) investigate whether a state-of-the-art image acquisition/processing method, multi-echo independent component analysis (ME-ICA), improves the correspondence between fMRI signal and EEG signal, and whether using the ME-ICA approach improves sensitivity in detecting subcortical arousal networks. Finally, I will (in Aim 1.3) attempt to distinguish between mild cognitive impaired (MCI) patients and healthy aging controls by leveraging fMRI-based vigilance as a biomarker. By comparing vigilance fluctuations and functional connectivity differences in vigilance network regions of interest, we seek to understand the role of vigilance in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. The proposed project will help the candidate, Sarah Goodale; achieve her career goal of becoming an independent investigator at the forefront of aging neuroimaging at a research-focused institution. This project provides cutting-edge research training in EEG and fMRI analysis and advanced statistical methods. Further, the proposed studies will provide professional and technical training to prepare the candidate to successfully transition the postdoctoral (K00) phase. The postdoctoral laboratory will extend Sarah’s training to incorporate structural imaging to characterize the impact of structural degeneration on functional networks with respect to age-related cognitive decline. Vanderbilt University is an ideal environment to achieve these goals as it (1) encourages collaboration, (2) has state-of-the-art technical resources to perform cutting-edge research, and (3) contains renowned faculty that encourage training, mentorship, and the development of aspiring researchers. The complete plan proposed for both the F99 and K00 phases is designed to develop an independent neuroimaging scientist prepared for a successful postdoctoral position and transition to an aging focused career, with an ultimate goal of becoming an independent tenured investigator.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $80,892 )
2026	2026	VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER	1161 21ST AVE S STE D3300 MCN	NASHVILLE	TN	37232	DAVIDSON	USA	Aging Research	000	4	2/13/2026	NON-COMPETING CONTINUATION	$80,892
														Subtotal = $80,892

Issue Date FY: 2025 ( Subtotal = $80,356 )
2025	2025	VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER	1161 21ST AVE S STE D3300 MCN	NASHVILLE	TN	37232	DAVIDSON	USA	Aging Research	000	3	3/21/2025	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$80,356
														Subtotal = $80,356

Grand Total All Awards = $161,248

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Longitudinal effects of aging and neurodegeneration on structure-function and brain-behavior relationships

Award Number: K00AG079810

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 12/01/2022

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2029

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