EXPERTISE

Alzheimer's Disease

IU School of Medicine is committed to finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

experts in Alzheimer's research

A national resource for Alzheimer's disease research

Indiana University School of Medicine leads a comprehensive program in Alzheimer's disease research spanning basic, translational and clinical research, focused on optimizing clinical care for patients with Alzheimer's disease. The school, ranked No. 6 in the nation for National Institute of Aging research, received $87 million in National Institutes of Health grants to fund Alzheimer's disease research. From developing the next generation of animal models and testing potential therapeutics to working alongside clinical research participants and patients in the state's largest health system, IU School of Medicine has a rich research program and expertise widely recognized around the world.

A researcher looks through a microscope

Basic and Preclinical Science

Basic scientists research the neurobiology and molecular genetics of Alzheimer’s disease to define disease mechanisms using animal models, identify therapeutic targets, rigorously test drugs and create molecules for potential drugs.

a clinician meets with a clinical trial participant

Clinical and Translational Science

Researchers in clinical and translational science test new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and advancing this research into improved diagnosis and care for patients living with the disease.

a patient receives an infusion of medication

Clinical Innovation

Researchers in clinical and translational science test new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and advancing this research into improved diagnosis and care for patients living with the disease.

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Next generation of laboratory models

The Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (MODEL-AD) consortium is developing the next generation of laboratory models used by scientists throughout the United States to study genetic contributors to Alzheimer’s disease and test potential treatments. MODEL-AD animal models represent human Alzheimer’s disease more closely than existing mouse models and accelerate the development of effective therapies for the disease.

Learn more about MODEL-AD
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Pipeline to accelerate drug discovery

IU School of Medicine is one of only two institutions selected by the National Institute on Aging to improve, diversify and reinvigorate the Alzheimer’s disease drug development pipeline. The Target Enablement to Accelerate Therapy Development for Alzheimer's Disease (TREAT-AD) works to identify the best drug targets, discover and optimize new molecules for these targets, and conduct early testing to determine if the molecules have potential to be further developed and evaluated in patients.

Learn more about TREAT-AD
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National biobank for Alzheimer’s disease samples

The federal government has designated IU School of Medicine as the national site to collect blood, DNA, tissue, spinal fluid and other samples from tens of thousands of people with Alzheimer’s disease across the country. The National Centralized Repository for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (NCRAD) is a central biobank in the United States that enables scientists from around the world to access critically important biological samples for new and ongoing research.

Learn more about NCRAD
Liana Apostolova

Understanding early-onset Alzheimer’s disease

IU School of Medicine is leading a nationwide study of a rare and particularly devastating early-onset form of Alzheimer’s that afflicts patients younger than 65 years of age. The Longitudinal Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study (LEADS) seeks to understand why some people develop Alzheimer’s disease so early, look for genetic determinants of the disease and track the disease’s progression.

Learn more about LEADS
a clinician meets with a clinical trial participant

Clinical research and patient support

At the forefront of Alzheimer’s disease research for more than 30 years, the Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center is one of only 33 centers in the United States solely committed to Alzheimer’s research. This multidisciplinary program works to translate research advances into improved diagnosis and care for people with Alzheimer’s disease. The center offers resources and information for patients, caregivers and the broader community.

Learn more about the IADRC

Featured News

A man in a suit sits in a hallway

Zero-cost, AI-driven digital detection identifies Alzheimer’s and related dementias without additional clinician time

AI could be used to diagnose Alzheimer's Disease at a fraction of the usual cost and time, according to a new trial. 

November 10, 2025

Mary Aurtrey speaks to an attendee of the annual Martin Family Caregiver Symposium at the IU Neuroscience Center

Honoring Our Heroes: Veterans educate community on Alzheimer's Disease

Veterans on the Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center's Community Advisory Board view community education as an extension of their loyalty and service to fellow service members and the country.

November 10, 2025

Researchers view brain scans

Researchers develop tool to track progression of Alzheimer’s, dementias based on metabolic, vascular brain changes

The findings highlight the major role inflammation plays in neurodegenerative disease progression.

November 07, 2025

Zipporah Melton with other neurology staff members at a community outreach event

Beyond the lab: Community liaisons contribute to breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research at IU

As a community research liaison for the Department of Neurology, Zipporah Melton was determined to break down the multifaceted barriers that often prevent underrepresented communities from participating in clinical trails.

November 03, 2025

Crystal Shipp, Jeff Dage and Sophia Wang speaking during a break at a IU symposium

Finding strength and support: The 19th annual Martin Family Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers Symposium

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease can be an incredibly tough journey, requiring great strength, resilience and a continuous quest for knowledge and support. The Martin Family Alzheimer's Disease Caregiver Symposium has been a beacon of hope and a vital resource for nearly twenty years for Hoosiers and many others. 

October 08, 2025

Donna Wilcock, PhD, MS

IU neurodegenerative disorders expert shares her journey toward developing better Alzheimer’s treatments

As director of the IU Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Donna Wilcock leads one of the nation’s largest treatment and clinical trial sites for Alzheimer’s disease.

September 02, 2025

Two doctors in lab looking at scans of brains immune cells

IU co-founded startup aims to propel novel Alzheimer’s disease drugs into clinical trials

The IU School of Medicine has several programs dedicated to Alzheimer's disease research, from basic and translational science to clinical research and innovation.

August 20, 2025

Candice Brown works in her research lab with the Indianapolis skyline in the background

Cerebrovascular expert brings background in stroke and Alzheimer’s disease research to the IU School of Medicine

Candice Brown joined the IU School of Medicine to grow the school’s neurovascular basic science and clinical research programs.

August 14, 2025

Ai generated image of a woman smelling a flower

From folding proteins to unfolding memories: An AI journey through Alzheimer's

This is the final column in a four-part series from Taeho Jo, assistant professor of radiology and imaging sciences at the IU School of Medicine, titled "AI in Medicine: From Nobel Discoveries to Clinical Frontiers."

August 01, 2025