National Biobank for Alzheimer’s Disease Samples

Biological samples, including DNA, cerebrospinal fluid, brain tissue and other biospecimens are the tools of laboratory research in Alzheimer’s disease. The National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) at Indiana University School of Medicine is the national resource where these biological materials are stored and made available for new and ongoing research around the world.

Since its creation in the early 1990s, the repository has collected more than one million samples from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and/or related dementias as well as healthy controls.

Learn More About the Biobank

Visit the NCRAD website to learn more about accessing biospecimens and data, participating in research or banking samples with the repository.

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Discovering Biomarkers and Genetic Causes of Alzheimer's

One of the primary goals of research using the repository’s resources is to identify diagnostic signals—called biomarkers—for Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s disease process begins years before symptoms appear, so scientists hope to develop convenient and inexpensive biomarker tests that would identify problems early. Current experimental methods for early detection, such as PET scans and tests using cerebrospinal fluid, are expensive and invasive.

The repository provides resources that help researchers identify the genes that contribute to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. NCRAD houses DNA samples and data from more than 900 families who have multiple members affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

NCRAD Leadership

Tatiana Foroud, PhD

Chair, Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics

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Recent News

IU School of Medicine receives $30 million NIA grant for Alzheimer's, related dementia research

National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) grant has been renewed for another five years with funding expected to total $30 million from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), within the National Institutes of the Health (NIH). NCRAD is led by Tatiana Foroud, PhD, Executive Associate Dean for Research Affairs at IU School of Medicine. Since 2018, NCRAD has been among the five largest grants awarded to IU School of Medicine.

IU School of Medicine | Jun 29, 2021

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Schedule an interview with an IU School of Medicine faculty member or request materials and resources about Alzheimer’s disease research by contacting the IU School of Medicine media relations team.

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