Mission and Objectives of Framingham Heart Study-Brain Aging Program
Objective 1: Longitudinal Surveillance and Evaluation The primary objective of the FHS-BAP is to sustain and enhance the longitudinal surveillance and evaluation of Framingham Heart Study (FHS) participants for dementia. This involves deploying sophisticated cognitive assessments and advanced brain imaging techniques to comprehensively understand the progression of cognitive decline.
Objective 2: Strengthening Brain Donation Program A critical aim is to reinvigorate the FHS brain donation program. This includes bolstering support for neuropathological examinations, aiming to not only identify new but also expand on known Alzheimer’s disease (AD)-related genetic factors, risk markers, and biomarkers. This facet significantly contributes to advancing our understanding of the biological underpinnings of AD.
Objective 3: Resourceful Brain Bank Support To provide substantial support for the FHS brain bank, ensuring that it remains a valuable resource for ongoing and future research endeavors. This involves implementing innovative strategies to optimize the utility of collected brain specimens, fostering a rich repository for investigations into the intricacies of AD.
Objective 4: Establishing a Collaborative Data Platform The FHS-BAP is actively engaged in creating a robust platform for collaborative data sharing. This initiative seeks to accelerate AD research by facilitating seamless access to FHS data. The aim is to catalyze interdisciplinary collaboration and promote a collective effort in deciphering the complexities of AD.
Scientific Leadership: Principal Investigators
- Dr. Lindsay Farrer: Renowned for spearheading expansive AD genetics studies, Dr. Farrer has significantly contributed to the identification of pivotal AD risk genes. His leadership guides the FHS-BAP towards its overarching goal of advancing our understanding of genetic, vascular, and inflammatory dimensions in AD pathology.
“Our focus is on continuous surveillance, expanding genetic insights, and innovative research addressing the vascular and inflammatory aspects of AD.”
- Dr. Rhoda Au: As the overseer of the FHS-BAP clinical program, Dr. Au brings her extensive experience in cognitive aging and dementia research. Her visionary approach incorporates digital technologies to augment traditional assessments and build interdisciplinary strategies for preserving cognition.
“Inter-disciplinary approaches are essential, leveraging extensive clinical and ‘omic data spanning three generations to identify therapeutic targets for preserving cognition.”
Cutting-edge Research Projects: The FHS-BAP currently features three inter-related projects delving into vascular and inflammatory contributors to AD. These projects utilize comprehensive data sets, including genetic, clinical, imaging, and lifestyle information, to unravel the multifaceted aspects of AD risk and resilience.
Leadership Excellence and External Guidance: The FHS-BAP activities are orchestrated by a distinguished leadership team, collectively bringing expertise in neurology, neuropsychology, neuropathology, AD biology, epidemiology, biomarkers, genetics, biostatistics, and advanced computational analytics. An external advisory board, comprised of globally recognized experts in various AD-related domains, rigorously reviews and guides the program’s strategic initiatives.
In essence, the FHS-BAP is dedicated to advancing the frontiers of AD research through comprehensive surveillance, innovative investigations, and collaborative knowledge sharing.