Clinical Core

Oregon Health & Science University, Portland OR

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project Summary: Clinical Core The Clinical Core is aligned to support the OADRC's 5 overarching aims: 1) catalyze and sustain innovative research and discovery in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) through an organizational infrastructure supporting a rich collaborative environment, with a commitment towards enhancing diversity across our research, clinical, and educational pillars; 2) focus resources toward specific areas of emphasis of particular relevance to residents of Oregon, including: (a) Preclinical dementia and activity of disease emphasizing high risk populations, including the oldest old, Black/African Americans, and isolated adults (e.g., living alone, rural), (b) Markers of meaningful change captured through studies of peripheral biomarkers, neuroimaging and continuous in-home behavioral monitoring (including known biological drivers of ADRD- pathology such as sleep/activity), c) Neuropathology of brain aging, including mixed etiology dementias, (d) Novel testing of novel treatments and patient and caregiver support strategies, and (e) Improving education and knowledge about dementia; 3) provide materials to support the science through well-characterized research participants, biological specimens, brain tissue, data provision and analytics; 4) contribute to the national research commons relevant to ADRD; and 5) provide venues and mechanisms for education and training of new scientists, as well as bidirectional engagement with key stakeholders. The OADRC’s Clinical Core is not only organized to facilitate the study of transitions to preclinical and early Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but importantly, also provides the critical infrastructure to accelerate the development of novel and needed treatments. Thus, the Clinical Core, in collaboration with other OADRC Cores, provides the substrate and the expertise to design and implement rigorous treatment trials, and enhances the provision of leading edge imaging, telehealth and clinical trials conduct. Within this context the Specific Aims of the Clinical Core are as follows: 1. Identify, recruit, and longitudinally assess individuals necessary to provide a ready pool of well- characterized participants for research emphasizing the presymptomatic to early ADRD spectrum. 2. Ensure inclusion and partnership with participants who are underrepresented in ADRD research, including the oldest old, Black/African Americans, and isolated older adults (e.g., living alone, rural) 3. Coordinate and assist, in concert with its sister Cores, tissue, fluid biospecimens, neuroimaging, and digital biomarker acquisition, to facilitate research incorporating new and developing tools and methods in such rapidly progressing fields as neuroimaging, biomarkers, remote monitoring, telehealth, and clinical trials. 4. Support investigator-initiated research pertaining to ADRD and foster research collaboration and data sharing regionally, nationally, and internationally.