SUMMARY
Petrice M. Cogswell, M.D., Ph.D., is a neuroradiologist whose research centers on advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to improve the diagnosis and management of neurological disorders. As a member of the Aging and Dementia Imaging Research Laboratory and multidisciplinary clinical research teams, she studies dementia imaging, amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) in Alzheimer's disease therapies, and cerebrospinal fluid dynamics.
Dr. Cogswell integrates quantitative imaging, machine learning and biomarker modeling to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support personalized care for conditions such as idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) and Alzheimer's disease. Her research aims to identify early pathological changes, assess therapeutic response, and refine imaging protocols for clinical trials and routine clinical practice.
Focus areas
- Cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and hydrocephalus. Dr. Cogswell applies MRI-based methods such as phase-contrast imaging and magnetic resonance elastography to assess cerebrospinal fluid flow and brain mechanical properties in iNPH. She seeks to use these biomarkers to better understand the pathophysiology of the condition, predict clinical outcomes and improve patient selection for shunt surgery.
- Imaging biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Cogswell investigates plasma and positron emission tomography (PET) biomarkers alongside MRI measures to better model how disease progresses. She examines how imaging indicators of vascular health connect to amyloid and tau pathology and how these biological changes contribute to cognitive decline. The aim is to strengthen early detection, improve predictions of clinical outcomes and enhance long‑term monitoring of disease progression.
- ARIA. Dr. Cogswell leads efforts to develop imaging protocols and clinical workflows for detecting ARIA — brain edema and hemorrhage — in patients receiving anti‑amyloid therapies. Her work supports safe, consistent monitoring during Alzheimer's disease immunotherapy trials and guides the use of these therapies in clinical practice.
- Advanced MRI techniques and hardware. Dr. Cogswell develops high‑resolution, accelerated MRI sequences and adaptive coil technologies to advance neurovascular imaging. These innovations improve image quality and reduce scan times, supporting both research applications and routine clinical care.
- Machine learning. Dr. Cogswell employs machine learning to identify patterns of cerebrospinal fluid distribution and brain structure. This supports large-scale studies and clinical trials by improving diagnostic precision.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Cogswell helps patients get earlier and more accurate answers about their brain health. Her research on how fluid moves in the brain allows doctors to better predict which people with hydrocephalus are likely to improve with surgery. She also develops better MRI and biomarker tools to safely monitor new Alzheimer's treatments, making it easier to identify side effects such as swelling or bleeding before they become serious. Because of these advances, patients can get the right treatment sooner, avoid procedures that may not help, and have a better chance of maintaining cognitive function and quality of life.
Professional highlights
- Member, Planning Committee, Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities Summit, American Heart Association, 2025-present.
- Reviewer, Alzheimer's and Dementia, 2023-present.
- Vice chair, Alzheimer Disease, ARIA and Dementia Study Group, American Society of Neuroradiology, 2022-present.
- Reviewer, American Journal of Neuroradiology, 2019-present.
- National Institutes of Health:
- Co-investigator, Alzheimer's Disease Tau Platform Clinical Trial, National Institute on Aging, 2023-2029.
- Co-investigator, Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium, National Institute on Aging, 2023-2028.
- Co-investigator, Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, National Institute on Aging, 2022-2028.
- Principal investigator, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Developmental Project Award, 2022-2024.
- Co-investigator, Determinants of Incident Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on RecoverY study, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2019-2025.
- Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award, Radiological Society of North America, 2018.
- Magna Cum Laude Merit Award, International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine, 2016-2017.