Washington University in St. Louis (WU)
Genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD). Previous studies have reported several genes and loci that are associated with AD biomarkers. However, it is unclear whether these genes are associated with longitudinal imaging and CSF biomarkers of AD. For this proposal, we will use random coefficient models of longitudinal data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, the Washington University Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, and the Harvard Aging Brain Study to evaluate for associations between AD genetic risk factors and longitudinal changes in biomarkers and cognition. The use of longitudinal data allows for assessment of changes in biomarkers and cognition over time, which is critical for understanding disease progression. Additionally, studying the association of AD genetic risk factors with longitudinal changes will provide important insights into the mechanisms underlying disease pathology and potential targets for therapeutic intervention.