Mission & Center Cores

The Boston University, Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (BU ADRC) is committed to the goals.

We operationalize our mission through 7 tightly integrated cores: Administrative, Clinical (CC), Data Management and Statistics (DMS), Biomarker, Neuropathology Core (NPC), Outreach/Recruitment Engagement (ORE), Genetics and Molecular Profiling (GMP), and a Research Education Component (REC). Together all the cores are focused on cutting-edge research, proactive community engagement, training the next generation of AD/ADRD clinicians and researchers, and sharing key material, data, and expertise both among key partners and with the community at large. To support research each of our cores is directed by investigators with substantial expertise related to the core. Our Center is made up of a multidisciplinary group of professionals dedicated to research, clinical care, and education.

Administrative Core 

Under the leadership of the center, Director Ann C. Mckee, MD manages the  Administrative Core of the BU ADRC and provides the infrastructure needed for planning and implementing all activities aimed at fulfilling the overall mission of the center. This core is responsible for ensuring that all Center research complies with human subjects, animal welfare, and scientific integrity requirements set forth by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This Core also ensures that all core data is routinely submitted to the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC). This core helps to administratively sustain the many research studies and programs we support.

Biomarker Core 

Led by both Wendy Qiu, MD, and Lee Goldstein, MD, the biomarker core focuses on providing measurements of established blood-based biomarkers and developing and implementing novel biomarker assays for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Clinical Core 

The Clinical Core is led by Michael Alosco, MD, and co-led by  Jesse Mez, MD. The Clinical Core oversees assessments for participants in the HOPE Study. There are approximately 400 participants over age 50 who span the cognitive spectrum (normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia). A major focus of the BU ADRC is understanding how repetitive head impacts from contact sports, military service, and intimate partner violence lead to late-life effects, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Approximately 1/3 of the participants have had these types of exposures.

Data Management and Statistical Core

The Data Management & Statistics Core (DMSC) led by Yorghos Tripodis, Ph.D. and, co-led by Joseph Palmisano who provides Center investigators with data management, database design and development, statistical analysis, and procedural consistency to produce the highest quality of data. Their activities in data collection, data management, statistical methodologies, and computer technology allow for a cost-efficient, smoothly functioning Core with sufficient flexibility to meet the needs of the Center investigators.

Genetics and Molecular Profiling Core
Led by Lindsay A.Farrer and, Gyungah Jun, Ph.D. the Genetics & Molecular Profiling (GMP) Core will support genetics and ‘omics research by ADRC investigators, trainees, and established investigators who are “breaking in” to AD research, and build foundations for translational studies using ADRC resources.

Neuropathology Core

The neuropathology core facilitates our brain donation program. Led by Thor Stein, MD, Ph.D., together with work alongside the Biomarker Core to lead the center’s neuropathological analyses of brains donated by research registry participants. They facilitate ADRD research by performing state-of-the-art diagnostic neuropathological evaluation on all brain donors and sharing well-characterized CNS tissue and biospecimens with qualified investigators.

Outreach, Recruitment & Engagement Core 

The outreach, recruitment, and engagement core leads education and outreach efforts across The Greater Boston area. This core is led by Andrew Budson, MD, who helps to maintain successful relationships with community partners including patients, families, research participants, and a variety of professional and lay community groups, across the state. The ORE core is co-led by Kate Turk, MD, who helps direct veteran recruitment. In addition, we have our Diversity & Inclusion Specialist Lola Baird, LICSW. The ORE Core is responsible for coordinating the educational and outreach activities of the center.

Research Education Component 

Led by Maureen K. O’Connor, PsyD , our research education component (REC) is dedicated to supporting the next generation of dementia researchers. Dedicated to training and mentoring junior investigators. This component hopes to foster career development in interdisciplinary dementia research and has developed a curriculum to educate junior investigators on dementia and dementia research.