Biomarkers.

Background: Individuals from diverse racial and ethnic groups are severely underrepresented in AD trials in part due to disproportionate biomarker ineligibility. Evidence from recent studies support plasma phosphorylated tau (P-tau217) as an early marker for brain Aβ pathology and a reliable marker in predicting elevated brain amyloid PET in cognitively unimpaired adults. We examined the relationship between P-tau217 and florbetapir PET standard uptake value ratios (SUVR) by self-reported racial and ethnic groups in preclinical AD studies.

Biomarkers.

Background: Data from the Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's Disease (A4) trial (NCT02008357), including cognitively unimpaired participants with brain amyloid pathology on florbetapir F 18, demonstrates that levels of plasma P-tau217, as detected by an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunoassay, is strong predictor of elevated cerebral amyloid on florbetapir PET in cognitively unimpaired individuals. Here we compare plasma P-tau217 measures over 12 weeks using a P-tau217 ECL immunoassay.

Method: A4 trial placebo-group participants who had their first baseline and first post-baseline plasma P-tau217 samples collected within 175 days of each other were included in these analyses.

Developing Topics.

Background: Increased white matter hyperintensity volume (WMH) visible on MRI is a common finding in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is often attributed to small vessel ischemic changes. We hypothesized that WMH in preclinical AD is associated with worsening of vessel amyloidosis manifested as microhemorrhages (mH, ARIA-H). We examine this hypothesis using cross-sectional and longitudinal data over 4.

Developing Topics.

Background: Most hospice-eligible patients with dementia report agitation with antipsychotics and antidepressants with major side effects predominantly used in this population to control symptoms. Little is known about current evidence on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on reducing agitation in this population.

Objectives: We aimed to summarize and evaluate the existing literature on RCTs aimed at reducing agitation among hospice-eligible patients with dementia.

Developing Topics.

Background: The Institute on Methods and Protocols for Advancement of Clinical Trials in Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) (IMPACT-AD) is a novel multi-disciplinary training program funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Association for individuals seeking expertise in designing and conducting AD/ADRD trials. IMPACT-AD offers a Professionals Track for investigators in a variety of trial roles and a Fellowship Track for future AD/ADRD clinical trial principal investigators.

Method: To evaluate long-term training outcomes, alumni-scholars from the 2020-2022 courses (n = 109) were surveyed via REDCap in January 2024.