2021 Alzheimer's Association Research Grant (AARG)

Neurophysiological signatures in preclinical stage of Alzheimer's disease

Do people at risk for developing Alzheimer’s show early changes in brain activity before changes in memory?

Kamalini Ranasinghe, M.D., Ph.D.
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA - United States

Background

In Alzheimer’s, the proteins beta-amyloid and tau accumulate to form plaques and tangles respectively, as two brain changes observed in disease. Recent studies suggest that these brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s appear decades before the clinical symptoms, including changes in memory, appear. 

Electrical activity by nerve cells in the brain often produces certain rhythms that could impact functions such as cognition and learning and memory. In preliminary studies, in individuals with Alzheimer’s, Dr. Kamalini Ranasinghe and colleagues used a sophisticated brain scan technology known as MEG (magnetoencephalography) to study changes in specific rhythms in nerve cell activity. They found that these changes to the electrical pattern and rhythms is associated with accumulation of beta-amyloid and tau in the brain.

Research Plan

Building on their initial findings, Dr. Ranasinghe’s team will study 120 participants thought to be at increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s.  Using the MEG brain scan technique, the researchers will study and compare the changes in the brain rhythms in these participants. The researchers will also investigate how individual differences in genetics as well as levels of physical and cognitive activity may influence changes in the brain rhythm patterns.

Impact

The results of this project may help detect some of the earliest brain changes associated with Alzheimer’s. Families facing Alzheimer’s now and in future will benefit greatly from early detection, allowing for important care and planning.