Understanding Amyloid and Tau in the Aging Brain
Impact of Amyloid and Tau on the Aging Brain: The Harvard Aging Brain Study
This research follows older individuals over time to learn how brain changes related to Alzheimer's disease affect memory and thinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11004123 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are continuing to follow a dedicated group of participants, currently aged 51-94, to understand the earliest signs of Alzheimer's disease in the brain. Using advanced imaging and memory tests, we look at how proteins called amyloid-beta and tau build up and interact. We also explore other factors like blood vessel health, physical activity, and inflammation that might influence brain aging and memory. Our goal is to better understand how these changes happen before symptoms appear.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this type of research are clinically normal older individuals interested in long-term participation in cognitive and imaging assessments.
Not a fit: Patients already diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease dementia may not directly benefit from this early-stage observational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us identify people at risk for Alzheimer's disease earlier and develop new strategies to prevent or slow its progression.
How similar studies have performed: This ongoing program has already made excellent progress, with over 100 publications informing prevention trial designs and international initiatives on Alzheimer's disease.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sperling, Reisa a. — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Sperling, Reisa a.
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.