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Expand the AT(N) framework into a more comprehensive framework that takes in account ADRDs.
2030 Biomarkers of Cognitive Decline and Dementias of Aging in Individuals within the Autism Spectrum 9.V In Progress DN 2021 AD Summit: 5.D 2024
- Initiate at least three (3) research programs evaluating an expanded AT(N) framework in different AD-related dementias.
- Ensure that for each AD-related dementia, this evaluation is conducted in diverse populations.
Summary of Key Accomplishments
Research supported by NIH contributed to the development of a system for classifying neurodegenerative disease based on measures of amyloid beta (A), tau (T), and neurofilament light chain (N), which reflect accumulation of amyloid and tau in the brain and neurodegeneration. With support from NIA, researchers are working to extend the “AT(N)” framework to include a fourth component — “V” — that captures the function of the vascular system, which circulates oxygen- and nutrient-bearing blood throughout the body. To do so, the team is investigating the relationship between patterns of bloodborne oxygen in the brain, blood vessel structure, and cognitive function. Development of an AT(N)V framework could especially improve identification of individuals affected by vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia, a prevalent form of Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia (ADRD). A separate project funded by NIA looks to expand the framework to frontotemporal dementia (FTD), another prevalent form of ADRD, by examining fluid-based biomarkers of brain inflammation and disrupted communication between brain cells. In addition to refining biomarker-based differentiation between FTD and Alzheimer’s disease, this research also aims to enable finer differentiation between variants of FTD.
The key accomplishments summary is current as of September 2025.