UW-Madison to Lead $150 Million National Study on Alzheimer’s Disease
UW-Madison has been chosen to spearhead a groundbreaking $150 million study focused on Alzheimer’s disease centers across the United States. The study aims to enhance understanding of mixed dementia, a condition where individuals have multiple forms of the neurological disease. Most Alzheimer’s patients are also affected by other types of dementia, such as vascular dementia and Lewy body dementia. Recognition of the specific types of dementia a patient has can significantly improve treatment outcomes. The study, supported by a grant of nearly $31 million from the National Institutes of Health, is expected to last five years.
A team of scientists and researchers will test approximately 2,000 people at 37 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers nationwide, including UW-Madison’s own center. The participants will undergo PET and MRI scans as well as blood tests to identify markers for various types of dementia. By analyzing the presence, absence, or changes in biomarkers like amyloid and tau proteins, which are key indicators of Alzheimer’s disease, the study hopes to provide valuable insights into the correlation between biological changes, clinical diagnoses, genetics, and alterations in patient symptoms over time.
Professor Sterling Johnson, leading the study and a prominent figure at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the research. He stated, We can shed light on the complex interplay of multiple pathologies contributing to dementia, ultimately advancing our understanding and treatment of this devastating condition.
Johnson also heads up UW-Madison’s Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention (WRAP), an ongoing long-term study involving around 1,600 individuals, most of whom have a family history of the disease.
The study, named Clarity in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research Through Imaging (CLARiTI), aims to gather comprehensive data that will enable researchers to better comprehend the presence, absence, or changes in biomarkers and their relationship to various forms of dementia. The insights gained from this study have the potential to revolutionize dementia treatment by tailoring therapies to suit the specific needs of each patient.
Alzheimer’s disease affects millions worldwide, with the number of cases expected to rise in the coming years. Consequently, research initiatives such as this study at UW-Madison play a crucial role in combatting this widespread epidemic. The hope is that through enhanced understanding and targeted interventions, the burden of Alzheimer’s disease on both individuals and society can be alleviated.
As the research progresses, experts anticipate that the results will provide valuable insights contributing to advancements in dementia treatment and care strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease.
In summary, UW-Madison’s leadership in a $150 million national study on Alzheimer’s disease aims to shed more light on mixed dementia, examining how multiple forms of the disease impact patients. By determining the specific types of dementia each patient has, doctors can provide more tailored and effective treatment. The study, backed by a significant grant from the National Institutes of Health, will involve testing 2,000 participants across the country. The collected data will help correlate biological changes to clinical diagnoses, genetics, and changes in patient symptoms over time. The study has the potential to advance understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, benefiting patients and caregivers.
