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
Meets on the first Monday of each month at 10:00 AM ET
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
Leader:
Jeff Dage, PhD
Indiana University School of Medicine
Meets quarterly on the first Wednesday at 10:00 AM ET
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
Leader:
Jalayne Arias, JD, MA
Georgia State University
Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 2:00 PM ET
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
Meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 9:00 AM ET
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.