Tracking early brain and blood signs that predict Alzheimer's
Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline Among Normal Individuals: The Biocard Cohort
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11325158
Following adults who were cognitively normal to look for early brain, spinal fluid, and blood signs that may point to future memory decline or Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11325158 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be followed over many years with regular check-ins about memory and thinking, blood draws, and brain scans, and some participants also have spinal fluid tests. The project began in 1995 with middle-aged adults who were healthy at enrollment and most of those people rejoined when Johns Hopkins took over follow-up, with some new participants added in 2020. Because dozens of people have moved from normal thinking to mild cognitive impairment, researchers can watch the timeline of changes that happen before symptoms appear. The goal is to use these long-term measurements to spot early warning signs of Alzheimer's and related memory problems.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who are currently cognitively normal and willing to take part in long-term follow-up with blood draws, brain scans, and possible spinal fluid collection.
Not a fit: People who already have moderate to severe dementia or who cannot undergo scans or spinal fluid collection are unlikely to get direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help detect Alzheimer's earlier so treatments or prevention steps can start before memory problems are obvious.
How similar studies have performed: Other long-term biomarker cohorts (for example, ADNI) have identified early brain and fluid changes before symptoms, so this work builds on established, productive approaches.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALBERT, MARILYN S. — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: ALBERT, MARILYN S.
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Alzheimer's disease biological marker