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A recent study led by Assistant Professor of Neurology Dr. Logan Dumitrescu examined how sex affects Alzheimer’s genetic risk, and how those effects differ between race. The genetic association study is the largest known study of its kind, using harmonized data from more than 32,000 research participants aged 60 and older.  

Using Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project data, researchers found smaller grey matter volume and greater white matter hyperintensities at study entry predicted faster decline in the ability to complete complex tasks. Grey matter throughout the nervous system enables individuals to control movement, memory, and emotions. White matter hyperintensities are white matter lesions in the brain, which have been associated with cognitive decline.

In June 2023, Dr. Angela Jefferson, Director of the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, joined reporter Ben Hall on Newschannel5+ OpenLine to discuss Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In the interview, Dr. Jefferson gave a background on the Center’s research, which is focused on examining the connection between vascular heath and brain health. She points out that cardiovascular risk factors, such as unmanaged high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, could contribute to the high incidence of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Tennessee.

A genetic variant of apolipoprotein E (APOE), a protein involved in fat metabolism, is the strongest common genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. However, many APOE-e4 carriers remain cognitively normal throughout life, suggesting there may be modifiers of APOE effects that protect the brain.

In February 2023, Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project participant Tonya Brown shared her study experience with Newschannel5 including why she encourages others to get involved. Black and African American people are nearly twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as their White counterparts but are underrepresented in research. “A lot of African Americans are afraid to get involved in research, but times have changed,” said Brown. “Anything that I can provide to help find a cure — I feel that I am making a difference.”

A recent study led by Dr. Kelsie Full, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and faculty member at the Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer’s Center, found sleep irregularity was associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis, or hardened arteries. Sleep irregularity is defined as frequently disrupted sleep and varying sleep durations night after night. “These results suggest that sleeping close to the same total amount of time each night may play an important role in preventing cardiovascular disease,” said Dr. Full.

In April 2023, Assistant Professor of Neurology and Vanderbilt Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Clinical Co-Core Leader Dr. Katherine Gifford joined the North Nashville Business and Ministries “Let’s Talk About It” podcast along with Community Outreach and Engagement Manager Pam Cowley to answer the community’s questions about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. In the audio clip below, Dr. Gifford answers one of the most common questions we hear from participants and community members.  

Small vessel disease (SVD) is associated with cognitive decline and development of dementia. Enlargement of the perivascular spaces (ePVS) surrounding blood vessels in the brain may be a marker of SVD.  

New findings from the Vanderbilt Memory and Aging Project suggest sTREM2 (soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells-2) has promise as a new biomarker of brain changes in people with Alzheimer’s disease. Biomarkers are measurable changes in the body that help determine if a person has a disease. The most well-known biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease are amyloid beta and phosphorylated tau.