A groundbreaking new research project led by an Indian-origin scientist at the University of Strathclyde in Scotland aims to revolutionize the way we monitor Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Akhil Kallepalli, a Chancellor’s Fellow and Leverhulme Early Career Fellow, is spearheading an international effort to develop a non-invasive technique using light to track brain activity.
Dr. Kallepalli will collaborate with a team from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, led by Professor Joseph Culver. Their innovative approach combines single-pixel imaging with diffuse optical tomography (DOT), a technique currently used in brain imaging. While DOT effectively observes surface brain activity, it struggles to measure deeper tissue activity.
“The DOT technique examines the brain with the use of a wearable headset with several optical diodes. As there are types of brain activity which DOT does not measure, my proposal is to develop another technique which is capable of doing so,” explained Dr. Kallepalli. “With single-pixel imaging, you project light and record the returned optical signal after it interacts with an object.This measurement is made with a ‘bucket’ detector such as a photomultiplier tube or single-photon avalanche diode; devices which measure an electrical value. We want to find out if we can use this in a DOT-compatible configuration to increase the fidelity of DOT for deep tissue imaging and to combine two separate techniques to look at the brain differently,” he said.
The team aims to enhance DOT’s capabilities by incorporating single-pixel imaging, which could enable volumetric imaging – a type of imaging currently beyond DOT’s reach. This advancement could provide a more comprehensive understanding of brain activity, particularly in the context of alzheimer’s disease.
“My interest is in finding out where scientists can look deeper into the brain tissue to try and understand the haemodynamics of Alzheimer’s Disease,” said Dr. kallepalli. “Using light is safer and less expensive than many more complex techniques for exploring Alzheimer’s, which is generalized to an abnormal build-up of proteins, called amyloid and tau and calcium in the human brain. We are at the early stages of developing this technique, but we believe it is highly promising.”
The project will be conducted at Professor Culver’s laboratory at washington University School of Medicine’s Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, which houses advanced DOT scanners. Researchers from Imperial College London, where Dr. Kallepalli holds an honorary visiting position, will also participate.
Dr. Kallepalli initiated the project while working at the University of Glasgow and has received an EPSRC Overseas Travel Grant to support the collaboration. This groundbreaking research holds immense potential for improving our understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
## Shining a Light on Alzheimer’s: An Interview with Dr. Akhil Kallepalli
**World Today News:** Dr. Akhil Kallepalli, thank you for joining us today. Your research at the University of Strathclyde promises a truly groundbreaking approach to Alzheimer’s monitoring. Can you tell our readers more about it?
**Dr. Kallepalli:** Thank you for having me. We’re incredibly excited about the potential of this project. Currently, diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer’s disease relies heavily on invasive and often expensive brain scans. my team is working to develop a non-invasive technique using light, specifically a technology called functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), to monitor brain activity in patients.
**World Today News:** How does this technology work?
**Dr. kallepalli:** fNIRS uses near-infrared light, which is safe and can penetrate the skull, to measure changes in blood flow in the brain. These changes are linked to neural activity, providing us with insights into how the brain is functioning. This allows us to potentially detect early signs of Alzheimer’s and track it’s progression over time.
**World Today News:** this sounds revolutionary. What are the key advantages of using fNIRS over current methods?
**Dr. Kallepalli:** Several advantages make fNIRS a compelling alternative. Firstly, it’s non-invasive and portable, meaning it can be used in various settings, including the patient’s home. This makes monitoring more accessible and comfortable for individuals. Secondly, it’s relatively inexpensive compared to conventional brain imaging techniques like fMRI. fNIRS has the potential for early detection, which is crucial for timely intervention and treatment.
**World Today News:** What stage is the project currently at, and what are your next steps?
**Dr. Kallepalli:** We are currently conducting pilot studies to validate the accuracy and reliability of fNIRS in detecting Alzheimer’s-related changes in brain activity. We are also working on developing algorithms to interpret the fNIRS data and translate it into clinically meaningful facts.
**World Today News:** What impact do you hope this research will have on patients and the fight against Alzheimer’s disease?
**Dr. Kallepalli:** Our ultimate goal is to develop a readily accessible and affordable tool that can help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier, track its progression more accurately, and ultimately contribute to the development of more effective treatments. By shining a light on the brain, we hope to shed light on this devastating disease and improve the lives of millions affected by it.
**World Today News:** thank you,Dr. Kallepalli, for sharing your insights and for your groundbreaking work. We wish you and your team the greatest success in this incredibly critically important endeavor.
