Research at FHS-BAP
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.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Our research program benefits from a well-established infrastructure built over many years. We have assembled a team of experienced investigators with a proven track record of success in AD research. This team includes senior researchers who have made significant contributions to the field, along with junior investigators who are poised to become future leaders.
Our Current Research Projects
Our current research projects focus on identifying risk factors for AD and understanding the mechanisms by which these factors contribute to the disease. We will achieve this through several key aims:
- Longitudinal Data Collection: We will continue to collect comprehensive data on participants from the FHS, including neuropsychological assessments, neurological examinations, brain MRIs, and neuropathological examinations of brain tissue from deceased participants.
- Risk Factors for AD: We will investigate the role of vascular and inflammatory factors in the development of AD. By analyzing a wide range of data collected over time, we aim to identify specific factors that increase an individual’s risk of developing AD or improve their resilience to the disease.
- Inflammation and AD Risk: We will explore the link between genetic vulnerabilities for AD and chronic inflammation in other parts of the body. This research may help us understand how inflammation contributes to the development of AD.
- Genetic and Protein Biomarkers: We will study how genetic variations and protein alterations in specific genes affect cognitive decline and the development of AD pathology. This research could lead to the identification of new biomarkers for AD and potential therapeutic targets.
Sharing Our Findings
The data collected and analyzed through this project will be made available to a broad range of researchers. This includes collaborators within our group, researchers at the central FHS data repository at Boston University, and qualified external investigators who gain approval through established data sharing protocols. Our commitment to data sharing allows for further investigation and advancements in AD research.
Experienced Leadership and Collaboration
Our research program is led by a team of highly qualified investigators with extensive experience in AD research. We foster a collaborative environment where senior and junior investigators work together to achieve our research goals. This collaborative approach ensures the continuity and excellence of our research program.
A History of Success
The strong track record of our research team is evidenced by our numerous publications. As of May 13, 2024, our team has published 198 papers with two or more co-authors from the FHS-BAP group. This impressive publication record demonstrates our commitment to generating high-quality research that advances the field of AD research.
We are excited to continue our research on AD and related dementias. This project has the potential to significantly improve our understanding of these devastating diseases and lead to the development of new diagnostic tools and treatment strategies.