Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

The Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (BU ADRC) is committed to the goals and strategies of NAPA including: to prevent and effectively treat AD and AD related dementias (ADRD) by 2025 by expanding AD/ADRD research; to accelerate efforts to identify early and pre-symptomatic stages of AD/ADRD; and to educate the public about AD/ADRD. BU ADRC research themes are congruent with NIH AD/ADRD Research Summit recommendations including: 1) research on heterogeneity and the multifactorial nature of AD/ADRD; 2) molecular profiling of existing and new cohorts; and 3) developing new public-private partnerships. We operationalize our mission through 7 tightly integrated cores: Administrative, Clinical (CC), Data Management and Statistics (DMS), Biomarker, Neuropathology (NPC), Outreach/Recruitment, Engagement (ORE), Genetics and Molecular Profiling (GMP) and a research education component (REC). The Cores are focused on cutting edge research, proactive community engagement, training the next generation of AD/ADRD clinicians and researchers, and sharing key material, data, and expertise both among key partners and with the community at large. The BU ADRC has made significant contributions to the remarkable growth of AD/ADRD research nationally and has actively contributed participants, biological samples, clinical data, and scientific expertise to all major national AD/ADRD research initiatives. The BU ADRC has been the catalyst for exciting new research on genetic and lifespan environmental risk factors and AD/ADRD, particularly vascular risk and exposure to repetitive head impacts (RHI) from contact sports, military service and other sources. Major BU ADRC research themes include studies on RHI from contact sports and military service and risk for AD/ADRD, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and deep phenotyping AD/ADRD heterogeneity with a range of complementary innovative approaches including digital and EEG phenotyping; neuropathology; genetics; biostatistical modelling; biomarker discovery; and molecular profiling. The BU ADRC will build on this strong record of accomplishment to support new research and educate the next generation of AD/ADRD scientists. The BU ADRC will also support high risk high gain innovative developmental projects focused on NAPA and NIA strategic goals and utilize our collective expertise and experience to facilitate career development of investigators with diverse backgrounds. The BU ADRC will develop new partnerships and enhance current partnerships with other ADRCs and national research programs, foundations, advocacy groups and private organizations in our quest to prevent and treat AD/ADRD. Exposure to RHI is associated with CTE and a wide range of other AD/ADRD pathologies. As recognized leaders in this space, we are uniquely positioned to support research on genetic and other risks factors and study how RHI affects the clinical course, biomarker profile, and clinical-pathological features of AD/ADRD including CTE.