Biomarkers.

Background: Enlarged perivascular spaces (ePVS) on MRI can signal impaired cerebral fluid clearance and predict dementia risk. Risk factors and biological correlates of ePVS are uncertain partially due to the lack of pathological correlation studies. Repetitive head impacts (RHI) from contact sports might represent one risk factor for ePVS, given their association with vascular pathologies and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by perivascular p-tau aggregates.

Biomarkers.

Background: The unique lesion of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is the perivascular deposition of hyperphosphorylated tau at the depth of the cortical sulci. The distribution and molecular composition of p-tau is distinct from Alzheimer's disease (AD), but differential diagnostic challenges remain. Understanding disease differences in regional density of p-tau will inform differential diagnosis and interpretation of in vivo biomarkers.

Biomarkers.

Background: Not all people with neuropathological evidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) manifest clinical symptoms in life (cognitive resilience). We aimed to identify genetic and epigenetic signatures of cognitive resilience, utilizing data from brain donors with neuropathological evidence of AD who were either symptomatic or asymptomatic in life.

Method: Among brain donors with neuropathologically-confirmed AD (364 asymptomatic/cognitively resilient and 490 symptomatic) from the Boston University AD Research Center, Framingham Heart Study-where we generated our own data-as well as the Religious Orders Study and Rush Memory and Aging Project, we utilized genome-wide genetic array data, genome-wide DNA methylation array data and RNA sequencing data.

Biomarkers.

Background: Repetitive head impacts (RHI) from contact sports can lead to long-term white matter injury visualized on FLAIR scans as white matter hyperintensities (WMH). The goal of this study was to preliminarily characterize the unique pattern and features of WMH in middle aged- to older adults with remote history of exposure to RHI from contact sports.

Method: 76 participants (38 with substantial RHI, 38 with minimal or no RHI) from the Boston University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center had a FLAIR MRI during their annual study visit.

Human motor performance assessment with lower limb exoskeletons as a potential strategy to support healthy aging-a perspective article.

With increasing age, motor performance declines. This decline is associated with less favorable health outcomes such as impaired activities of daily living, reduced quality of life, or increased mortality. Through regular assessment of motor performance, changes over time can be monitored, and targeted therapeutic programs and interventions may be informed.