Current Projects

FHS-BAP is engaging a diverse community of new and experienced scientists to leverage the wealth of information collected from FHS participants over the course of their adult life span. A primary goal is to identify risk factors, mechanisms and therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of AD and related dementias.

Current Research Projects

We’re diving into the intricate world of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to understand the roles of various factors. Here’s a snapshot of our ongoing projects:

  1. Predicting AD Risk and Resilience (Project 1):
    • Leaders: Dr. Lindsay A. Farrer and Dr. Jesse Mez
    • Objective: Identify genetic, physiological, and environmental factors influencing AD risk, resilience, and resistance.
  2. Genetic Vulnerabilities and Inflammation (Project 2):
    • Leaders: Dr. Wendy Qiu and Dr. Xiaoling Zhang
    • Objective: Explore how genetic vulnerabilities interact with chronic inflammation, impacting AD risk.
  3. Complement Pathway and Multiple Pathologies (Project 3):
    • Leaders: Dr. Thor Stein and Dr. Gyungah R. Jun
    • Objective: Investigate the role of the classical complement pathway in shaping glial phenotypes and various pathologies in Alzheimer’s and cerebrovascular diseases.

A common thread in our projects is the quest to uncover alternative pathways in AD, beyond the traditional focus on amyloid. We’re particularly interested in the early stages where amyloid may be diffuse, yet less linked to cognitive decline. To unravel these pathways, our Data Core plays a crucial role in analyzing a diverse range of data and providing researchers with well-documented and harmonized information.

The Boston University Framingham Heart Study Brain Aging Program is dedicated to various research areas in Alzheimer’s-related disorders and brain aging, including genetic, genomic, biomarker, epidemiological, behavioral, and brain imaging studies. Our pilot grants support innovative projects likely to shape the future of brain aging and AD research.

Additional Projects Involving FHS Participants:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Dr. Jesse Mez
  • Smartphone Studies: Dr. Rhoda Au, Preeti Sunderaraman
  • PET and Digital Biomarker Study: Dr. Rhoda Au, Preeti Sunderaraman
  • Parkinson’s Disease (PD): Dr. Sarah O’Shea