Clinical Core

Columbia University Health Sciences, New York NY

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

CLINICAL CORE PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT The Clinical Core is the central component of the P30 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). The Clinical Core functions to provide resources to further the goals of the Center in understanding biological pathways of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), among populations at high risk for developing ADRD, and in further support of engagement in clinical trials. The Core is a shared resource interacting closely with: the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core (ORE) Core with regard to recruitment and training; the Database Management and Statistical (DMS) Core with respect to data entry, storage and management; the Neuropathology Core, through arranging brain autopsy and providing relevant correlative clinical data; and the Biomarker, Genetics, and Neuroimmunology Cores through provision of DNA, plasma, blood cells, and cerebrospinal fluid samples for biomarker, genetic, and immunological analyses. The Core will build upon its 35 years of experience, during which time it has enrolled more than 6,000 individuals, more than 2200 of which are in the NACC Uniform Data Set (UDS). The Core will sustain a cohort of 500 older adults individuals in the cognitive aging spectrum including those with normal cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment, or dementia. These participants will each have extensive biomarker studies including research-grade 3T MRI, and either multimodal amyloid- and tau- positron emission tomography (PET) or lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid studies, and be followed annually. The Core will provide data to the DMS Core, transmitted to the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC), and DNA for the Genetics Core, sent to the National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease (NCRAD). Evaluations will include detailed medical and neurological interviews and examinations and neuropsychological testing, using NACC and Columbia site- specific instruments. Biomarkers will flow to Biomarker, Genetics, and Neuroimmunology Cores, including blood samples for plasma and peripheral blood cell populations, DNA preparation for genetic studies, CSF specimens for spinal fluid cells and fluid biomarkers, and PET and 3T MRI neuroimaging. The Clinical Core goals include brain autopsies at the time of death, to provide neuropathological samples. The Core coordinates closely with Administrative, Biomarkers, DMS, ORE, Genetics, Neuroimmunology, and Neuropathology Cores, and with the REC module. Participants in the Core are informed of other trials and projects, and encouraged to participate in these important imaging, instrument, drug study, and biomarker trials. The Clinical Core provides training to students, residents, fellows, and investigators. Coded participant data, images, and biological specimens, including plasma, DNA, CSF, and brain tissue are shared with ADRC, and other Columbia and extramural investigators to improve diagnosis, understanding and treatment of aging and dementia, promoting basic and translational research at Columbia, in the New York area, nationwide, and internationally.