Core F: Imaging Biomarker Core

NEUROIMAGING CORE - CORE F: PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Neuroimaging Core (Core F) of the Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (JHADRC) has several overarching goals. It is responsible for collecting, processing, and sharing brain images acquired from participants in the JHADRC, and the data derived from them, as well as assisting in the disclosure of clinically relevant findings from the scans to participants. The Core is also responsible for providing expertise to investigators conducting imaging research in ADRD, for assisting in training young investigators in the application of these valuable resources, and for providing education to the lay community about the importance of brain imaging in finding improved treatments for ADRD. To accomplish these goals, the Neuroimaging Core will focus on the following aims: 1) to acquire magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans as well as amyloid and tau positron emission tomography (PET) scans from participants enrolled in the JHADRC (working with the Clinical Core (Core B) , 2) to complete quality control procedures and incorporate all newly acquired scans into the existing MRI and PET scan repository, and to upload the relevant scans to the NACC, SCAN, CLARiTI and other multicenter studies in which the JHADRC is participating (e.g. DVCID), 3) to provide investigators both internally and externally with raw images and image analysis results based on established validated image analysis methods, including novel imaging measures developed by the members of Core F, 4) to use the JHADRC database (overseen by the Data Core) to track the acquisition, processing and distribution of each scan, 5) to facilitate the disclosure of the clinical interpretation of MRI and amyloid PET scans to JHARDC participants, 6) to provide expertise and mentoring to investigators interested in using neuroimaging data, including those in the REC, and 7) to provide education in the community regarding the importance of neuroimaging in ADRD, in collaboration with the ORE Core (Core E). Through these efforts, Core F strives to: 1) support investigators associated with the JHADRC with key resources, 2) provide expertise and mentoring to both junior and senior investigators working in AD and related disorders, and (3) promote an understanding of the importance of brain imaging for clinical and translational research in the field.