Biomarkers and Early Alzheimer's Disease

The goal of this project is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers to identify cognitively normal participants who show the earliest clinically detectable brain changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The major hypothesis for this study is that CSF P-tau231 measurement improves the accuracy of MRI and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measurements in predicting mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Validation of this hypothesis can lead to improved diagnostic tools for detecting AD as early as possible. This 5-year longitudinal study will involve a baseline exam and two 18-month followup exams. Participants will undergo MRI scans, CSF collection and blood samples, neuropsychological performance testing, and medical, neurological and psychiatric assessment. The screening and diagnostic evaluations will be carried out by the New York University Alzheimer Disease Core Center (ADCC) and the NYU Center for Brain Health. This study will enroll a minimum of 80 cognitively normal participants, 60 to 80 years of age, with English as their first language, with about 12 years of formal education, and who are living in the metropolitan New York City area. All participants will receive baseline and follow-up evaluations to rule out confounding medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions that could affect cognition. The study coordinator will maintain 6-month telephone contact with all participants and their caregivers who are part of the project.