University of Ottawa

Purpose

The personal, societal, and economic burden of dementia is unsustainable. Diagnosis is currently established through cognitive and physical examination of patients already experiencing symptoms and therefore at advanced stages. The multidisciplinary team of this project will develop novel approaches to accurately diagnose risk of dementia in persons with preclinical (asymptomatic) Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Parkinson's Disease (PD)-related dementias. Through analysis of novel animal models as well as clinical lipidomics and metabolomics of blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles, the team seeks to provide a minimally invasive diagnosis of brain health. Better patient stratification, diagnosis at early, treatable disease stages as well as a better understanding of the biological changes underlying dementia risk will significantly reduce the need for long-term care and allow the aging population to enjoy longer independent and unassisted living.