Clinical Core

Clinical Core Leadership:

Ashita Gurnani, PhD
Jesse Mez, MD, MS
Rhoda Au, PhD
Rhoda Au, PhD

The Clinical Core plays a pivotal role in our ongoing dementia research. Our primary objectives include:

  • Surveillance and Diagnosis: Continuously monitoring FHS cohorts for incident dementia and conducting comprehensive diagnostic assessments.
  • Longitudinal Characterization: Extending our understanding of cognitive function and brain structure across FHS cohorts.
  • Ante-Mortem Support: Providing comprehensive support for the brain donation program.

Key Achievements:

  • Surveillance and Diagnosis: Conducted 699 participant chart “death reviews” and administered neuropsychological testing to 1489 participants.
  • Brain Imaging: Conducted 791 structural brain MRI scans and defaced 5629 FHS MRIs for Freesurfer reprocessing.
  • Ante-Mortem Support: Supported 32 brain donors and facilitated 8 clinicopathological conferences.
  • Clinical Core Extensions: Developed a remote neuropsychological testing protocol, expanded the neurological examination, and translated testing materials into Mandarin and Cantonese.

Future Directions:

  • Digital Phenotyping: Piloting a study to develop remote neuropsychological testing protocols using smartphones.
  • Data Science: Developing new methods for processing digital voice and pen data to quantify Boston Process Approach measures.
  • Parkinson’s Disease Review: Strengthening protocols for flagging and case presentation for Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis.

By combining innovative research methods with a strong commitment to participant care, the Clinical Core is making significant strides in advancing our understanding of dementia and improving the lives of affected individuals.