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Unravelling White Matter Biological Heterogeneity for the Prediction of AD

WHY-AD

Start Date
End Date
Total Funding
€ 193 643
Funding Programme
European Countries Involved

White matter (WM) is being increasingly studied in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as a possible key pathological driver. In-vivo, WM health can be measured through several metrics derived from diffusion weighted imaging (DWI). While these metrics provide information about the WM micro- and macro-structural alterations, the biological processes determining such changes is often unclear. Characterizing these biological pathways is crucial for a more refined use of MRI in the clinics and for building accurate disease models for individualized prediction. In this work, we will use several cohorts covering the AD spectrum with both available MRI and biological data (genetics, proteomics). We will first perform a characterization of the biological pathways that provoke WM dysfunction in different stages of AD. Subsequently, we will use this information to build data-driven models of disease progression and spreading. Finally, we will test the applicability of these models in data from memory clinics.

Project partners

UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI GENOVA (IT); IRCCS OSPEDALE POLICLINICO SAN MARTINO (IT)

 
Acknowledgement
Alzheimer Europe's database on research projects was developed as part of the 2020 Work Plan which received funding under an operating grant from the European Union’s Health Programme (2014–2020).