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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Expertise in Alzheimer's Disease

NCRAD: A national biobank for Alzheimer’s disease samples

The National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) at the Indiana University School of Medicine, established with funding from the National Institute on Aging, is a national resource where researchers can store and access an extensive collection of clinical information and biological materials, which includes DNA, plasma, serum, RNA, cerebrospinal fluid, cell lines, stool, brain tissue and other biospecimens. These invaluable resources enable scientists around the world to conduct cutting-edge investigations and accelerate their research efforts. Since its creation in the early 1990s, the repository has collected over one million samples from individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias and healthy controls.

Learn More

Visit the NCRAD website to learn more about accessing biospecimens and data, participating in research or banking samples with the repository.
410,000
samples distributed by NCRAD
126,000
participants with samples at NCRAD
74 
studies with samples banked at NCRAD
A researcher holds a case of biospecimens

Banking biospecimen samples

The biobank curates an extensive repository of biospecimens, providing researchers with a rich pool of data to advance studies and make groundbreaking discoveries in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias investigators. To ensure that researchers have access to the most accurate information, NCRAD continually updates its database with new information. They take pride in their rigorous procedures and researcher-friendly approach to sample banking. From new studies to closed studies, the biobank assists researchers every step of the way.

a researcher works in the lab

Biomarker Assay Lab

NCRAD has expanded its services with the establishment of the Biomarker Assay Laboratory. This state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by experienced personnel with extensive knowledge in the field of biomarker analysis. The lab analyzes well-established fluid-based biomarkers to support research studies in Alzheimer's disease, allowing for longitudinal quality monitoring and consistent delivery of results over time. The lab's approach enables cross-laboratory comparability studies to be conducted to ensure standardized processing and reliable research biomarker results.

ncrad investigators
276-Foroud, Tatiana Tatiana Foroud, PhD

Tatiana Foroud, PhD

Executive Associate Dean for Research Affairs

13103-Brosch, Jared Jared R. Brosch, MD

Jared R. Brosch, MD

Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology

60676-Dage, Jeff Jeff Dage, PhD

Jeff Dage, PhD

Senior Research Professor of Neurology

41502-Edler, Michael Michael C. Edler, PhD

Michael C. Edler, PhD

Assistant Research Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics

25526-Meyer, Jason Jason Meyer, PhD

Jason Meyer, PhD

A. Donald Merritt Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics

6527-Nudelman, Kelly Kelly N. Nudelman, PhD

Kelly N. Nudelman, PhD

Assistant Research Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics

22184-Oblak, Adrian Adrian L. Oblak, PhD

Adrian L. Oblak, PhD

Associate Professor of Radiology & Imaging Sciences

48165-Pelletier, Stephane Stephane Pelletier, PhD

Stephane Pelletier, PhD

Associate Professor of Clinical Medical & Molecular Genetics

42900-Russ, Kristen Kristen A. Russ, PhD

Kristen A. Russ, PhD

Assistant Research Professor of Medical & Molecular Genetics

2068-Gao, Sujuan Sujuan Gao, PhD

Sujuan Gao, PhD

Professor of Biostatistics & Health Data Science

Latest NCRAD NEWs
Tatiana Foroud NCRAD

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.

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