ADACC NETWORK
Working Groups
Effects of Comorbidities on Biomarkers
Leaders:
Michelle Mielke, PhD - Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Anne Murray, MD, MSc - Hennepin County Medical Center
Priya Palta, PhD, MHS – University of Chapel Hill School of Medicine
Jeff Williamson, MD, MHS - Wake Forest University School of Medicine
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Meets 1st Monday of the month at 10 AM EST
Focuses on how multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) and medications influence blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). The overarching goal of this working group is to develop an algorithm that can help guide clinicians to interpret the blood-based biomarkers (BBM) in the presence of MCCs and/or medications that can physiologically affect the BBM levels. The group has made a list of chronic conditions and medications that may physiologically impact ADRD blood-based biomarker (BBM) levels and will analyze their correlation. The working group will use all available data that has currently been shared with the Data Core and will utilize their statistical expertise.
Biomarkers for Risk and Prognosis
Leaders:
Jeff Dage, PhD - Indiana University School of Medicine
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Meets 1st Wednesday of the month at 10 AM EST
Focuses on evaluating the value of ADRD biomarkers in predicting cognitive impairment and progression to dementia. This group recognizes that MCCs, demographic factors such as race/ethnicity, sex, and age, and socioeconomic status already provide a certain predictive value and may even confound interpretation of biomarkers. However, the group aims to determine if the inclusion of ADRD biomarkers can help refine or enhance this prognostic capability and how best to evaluate the influence of MCCs, which are also associated with cognitive decline. By conducting rigorous research and analysis, the working group seeks to advance our understanding of dementia risk factors.
Ethical Considerations
Leaders:
Jalayne Arias, JD, MA - Georgia State University
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Meets 3rd Thursday of the month at 1 PM EST
Works to ensure accurate, non-deceptive information about ADRD blood-based biomarkers, especially direct-to-consumer tests. This group recently published an opinion paper on real-world patient use of these tests. The group plans further publications and guidelines to promote ethical practices in ADRD biomarker information sharing.
Understudied Populations
Leaders:
Neelum Aggarwal, MD – Rush University Medical Center
Nicole Fowler, PhD, MHSA - Indiana University School of Medicine
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Meets 3rd Monday of the month at 11 AM EST
Formed in 2024 to focus on the utility and accessibility of ADRD blood-based biomarkers in understudied populations that reflect real-world patients. Their aim is to utilize datasets to conduct analyses that support other organizations with similar initiatives. Additionally, they offer advice and support to ADACC pilot awardees to help ensure their pilot projects achieve their goals.