Clinical Research Studies

The purpose of this research study is to investigate a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) method that could provide new fundamental insights to a more complete understanding of age related microvascular changes in healthy conditions. This technique could help improve the understanding of the human brain and help researchers to find new ways to treat and prevent brain disorders. These techniques do not treat or cure brain disorders. The imaging methods and contrast agent being evaluated are considered investigational. Contrast agents are dyes used to improve the clarity of the images and visualization of small vessels in the brain. The contrast agent, Ferumoxytol is an injectable drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults who have chronic kidney failure. In this study, it is considered investigational for improving the visibility of very small blood vessels in the brain as an off-label contrast agent for MRI. Ferumoxytol is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for human use but in this study the drug is being used "off-label", or for a purpose not already approved by the FDA. It is hoped that, in the future, these imaging techniques will enable researchers and clinicians to better detect, stage, and treat patients.