Developing blood tests to detect brain damage related to head impacts and Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Blood Biomarker Development and Validation in Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10856207 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to use blood tests to help diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in people, like athletes and military members, who have had repeated head injuries, making it easier to spot these conditions early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $972,457 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS132290-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10856207 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals over 21 years old who have a history of repetitive head impacts and are at risk for CTE or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of head impacts or who are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on identifying blood biomarkers that can help diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in individuals who have experienced repetitive head impacts, such as athletes and military personnel. By analyzing proteins in the blood, the study aims to create a more accessible and scalable method for detecting these conditions compared to current imaging techniques. The research will utilize data from individuals who have pledged their brains for study after death, allowing for a comparison between blood biomarkers and brain pathology. This innovative approach seeks to improve early detection and understanding of these neurodegenerative diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a simple blood test that allows for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of CTE and Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While research on blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, studies specifically targeting CTE through blood tests are still in early stages, making this approach relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alosco, Michael — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Alosco, Michael
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.