Core B: Clinical Core

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ABSTRACT – CORE B: CLINICAL CORE The Michigan ADRC Clinical Core (CC) supports and advances research on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) through recruitment of a longitudinal cohort (LC), whose deep clinical and biomarker characterization supports the center’s central theme of identifying, understanding, and modulating the non- amyloid factors contributing to brain dysfunction and neurodegeneration. The CC will continue to draw on its robust regional infrastructure to expand the LC from 414 active participants to 550 participants, while maintaining a focus on individuals at risk for or showing the earliest signs of cognitive decline. We will intensify our commitment to diversity through continued operation of our successful satellite location in Detroit (~40% of our LC identifies as Black American) and a planned expansion to the Grand Rapids Hispanic/Latino community. In conjunction with the Data Management and Statistical (DMSC), Biomarker (BC), and Neuroimaging (NIC) Cores, we will strengthen available dementia-related research resources by sharing UDS data, biomarker specimens, and neuroimaging scans with the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center and the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias. CC activities are guided by 5 aims. Aim 1 will facilitate and enhance cutting-edge clinical research. The CC will continue to support a wide range of pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic clinical trials as well as observational studies that span the dementia spectrum. Continued NIA funding will enhance our capacity to advance ADRD research at the three partner universities comprising the Michigan ADRC. Aim 2 will enhance diversity in aging and dementia research. We will build on our successful Detroit satellite model and expand into the Grand Rapids Hispanic/Latino community. Aim 3 will promote novel biomarker research. The CC will collaborate with the DMSC, BC and NIC to facilitate the identification and evaluation of low-cost, non-invasive blood-based biomarkers, through comparison to the A/T/N (and “V” – vascular) classification provided by structural and metabolic imaging. Aim 4 will enhance participant experience by developing and refining feedback. We have identified overwhelming interest among our LC participants in learning their clinical and biomarker results. We will partner with the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core to ensure ethical disclosure of biomarker findings and facilitate clinical care as appropriate. Aim 5 will facilitate the training of the next generation of dementia researchers and clinicians. Collaborating with the Research Education Component, the CC will leverage the comprehensive resources and diverse training opportunities available for early career investigators across the campuses of the three participating universities. In summary, the CC will link critical institutional and regional resources to support multi-disciplinary research, spanning from early detection to therapeutic intervention. Our emphasis on minority recruitment, novel biomarkers, and participant feedback will bolster new avenues of research within the Michigan ADRC and the broader ADC network.