CORE--CENTRAL COORDINATING CORE

中央协调核心（CCC）协调临床研究、数据库管理和PPG的战略规划。CCC在三个临床站点实施项目项目（PPG）的整体前瞻性纵向设计。目标是招募并跟踪450名受试者的样本：200名正常对照和250名因皮质下缺血性血管性痴呆（SIVD）或阿尔茨海默病（AD）而出现不同程度认知障碍的受试者。对于< 80岁的正常对照，每2年评估一次认知/功能状态，每4年重复一次磁共振成像（MRI）。对于80岁以上的受试者和老年对照者，每年随访一次认知/功能状态，每2年复查一次MRI。研究项目依赖于CCC对受试者进行分类并确保关键认知/功能数据的质量。虽然病理核心最终决定CVD、AD或混合性AD/CVD的可能性，但CCC负责获得

The Central Coordinating Core (CCC) coordinates clinical research, database management, and strategic-planning across the PPG. The CCC implements the overall prospective longitudinal design of the program project (PPG) across three clinical sites. The goal is to recruit and to follow a sample of 450 subjects: 200 normal controls and 250 subjects with variable degrees of cognitive impairment attributed to subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD) or Alzheimer disease (AD). For normal controls < 80 years, cognitive/functional status is assessed every 2 years and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is repeated every 4 years. For subjects and older controls > 80 years, cognitive /functional status is followed every year, and MRI is repeated every 2 years. The research projects depend upon the CCC for classifying subjects and for ensuring the quality of key cognitive / functional data. Although the Pathology Core ultimately determines the likelihood of CVD, AD, or mixed AD/CVD, the CCC is responsible for obtaining consent and for coordinating the autopsy program. The CCC manages data from all three Cores (Clinical, Imaging, and Pathology). Key clinical variables include demographics, onset and duration of dementia, activities of daily living, mental status scores, neuropsychological test scores, clinical dementia rating (CDR), clinical diagnosis, and subject categorization. Key imaging data include the number, location, and size of lacunes, the volume of cortical gray matter, white matter, white matter hyperintensities (WML), ventricular and sulcal cerebral spinal fluid, and the volume of the hippocampi. The key pathological data include the overall likelihood ofAD, SIVD, or mixed AD/SIVD, numbers, size, and location of lacunar infarcts, and the severity of neurofibrillary tangles, neuritic plaques, white matter demyelination, and microvascular disease. These data are utilized by all four of the research projects. PPG investigators work well together. In person meetings are held at least twice a year to review progress, set goals, and to plan strategy. Monthly teleconferences are conducted to check progress and maintain course. Electronic communication tools, especially e-mail, mitigate the geographic distances between campuses. Consultants and an external advisory group provide invaluable feedback and guidance. The PPG functions as a vital and cohesive whole.