Award
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke 5R01NS139383-03
Risk and Resilience, Clinical presentation, and Biomarker Profiles of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy and Related Dementias: The DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project II
Recipient
Boston University Medical Campus
Award Amount
$3,027,991.00
Ceiling
$3,027,991.00
Awarded
July 23, 2026
Identifier
5R01NS139383-03
This NIH-funded research project focuses on chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and related dementias, aiming to develop biomarkers, refine diagnostic criteria, and differentiate CTE from other dementias through a longitudinal study involving former football players and controls.
Description
The project aims to retain and grow the DIAGNOSE CTE cohort, examine clinical and biomarker profiles of TES, investigate risk and resilience factors, and compare biomarkers between TES and Alzheimer’s disease syndromes. The goals include developing biomarkers for CTE, refining TES diagnostic criteria, differentiating TES from other dementias, and providing insights into detection, diagnosis, and prognosis. The study population includes 225 former football players, 75 controls, and 50 AD participants, all males aged 50+, with 40% Black representation. Study methods include clinical exams, SDOH measures, MRI, blood draws, tau PET imaging, and brain donation for validation. The project is part of a longitudinal cohort study with follow-up over 6-8 years, aiming to facilitate treatment trials and improve diagnostic accuracy.