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Does the immune system contribute to the behavioral changes observed in Alzheimer’s?
Daniel Fisher, M.D., Ph.D.
University of Washington
Seattle, WA - United States
Background
Individuals with Alzheimer’s often experience neuropsychiatric behaviors, such as agitation, depression, and apathy. Studies have found that these behaviors may occur early in the disease and accelerate Alzheimer’s-related memory loss and other forms of cognitive decline. Additionally, apathy can reduce social interaction and lower motivation for disease treatment.
Recent research suggests that the immune system may contribute to the neuropsychiatric behavioral changes observed in individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Building on these findings, Dr. Daniel Fisher and colleagues aim to study the connection between the immune system, apathy, and cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.
Research Plan
For their studies, Dr. Fisher and colleagues will measure blood-based immune biomarkers in individuals living with Alzheimer’s, including those with diagnosed apathy or depression and individuals with no neuropsychiatric symptoms. Next, the researchers will perform immune profiling, or measure the levels of different types of immune cells circulating in the body, to identify the specific immune cell changes that are associated with apathy and other neuropsychiatric behaviors in individuals living with Alzheimer’s.
Impact
Results from this study could shed new light on how apathy contributes to Alzheimer’s progression. The findings could also lead to new intervention strategies for reducing apathy-related cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s.
The New Investigator Program Award (NIAP) is jointly funded by the Alzheimer's Association and National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center.
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