FHS-BAP Data Portal: An integrated Data Query System

The Framingham Heart Study (FHS) Brain Aging Program (FHS-BAP) database is a valuable resource for scientific exploration into the connections between genetics, environmental factors, neurological diseases, and healthy aging.

In 1997, FHS began a postmortem brain tissue donation program, and the National Institute on Aging (NIA) established the FHS-BAP through a grant in 2020.  The collection has longitudinal clinical, imaging, genetic data, lifestyles, and other health-related changes available for each case. By relating FHS clinical information to neuropathological findings, the opportunity to identify risk factors for disease is enhanced.

The Data Query System aims to facilitate researchers’ inquiries regarding the availability of biosamples within the cohort of FHS brain donor participants. This is a user-friendly platform designed to facilitate the efficient retrieval of relevant information for research projects focused on brain aging data and biospecimen availability within FHS.

When complete, the Data Query System will allow researchers to:

• Easily navigate our database to find brain aging data and biospecimen availability
• Obtain summary statistics from our database and export as spreadsheets for research proposals
• Streamline the process of submitting data and biospecimen requests through FHS, with the FHS-BAP team assisting throughout
• Engage with FHS-BAP researchers for opportunities for collaborative projects and to harness our expertise in your research

Currently, it is important to know that this is the first version of the data query system, including only brain donor participants. Subsequent expansion will expand the searchable scope.