The Indiana University School of Medicine leads a comprehensive program in Alzheimer's disease research spanning basic, translational and clinical research, that is focused on optimizing clinical care for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The school, highly ranked in the nation for National Institute of Aging grant funding, has received $370 million in National Institutes of Health grants over the past five years 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.
100+
faculty dedicated to researching dementia
$370 million
in NIH funding for Alzheimer's research, 2021-2025
7th
in the nation for NIA grants in 2025
Basic and Preclinical Science
Basic scientists research the neurobiology and molecular genetics of Alzheimer’s disease to define disease mechanisms using laboratory models, identify therapeutic targets and disease biomarkers, rigorously test drugs and create molecules for potential drugs.
Clinical and Translational Science
Researchers in clinical and translational science test new methods to diagnose, treat and prevent Alzheimer’s disease, and advance this research into improved diagnosis and care for patients living with the disease.
Clinical Innovation
Clinicians and researchers are finding better ways to care for people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in primary care. They're spearheading innovations in early detection and diagnostic pathways.
alzheimer's disease research programs
Featured News
The Vascular Side of Alzheimer’s Disease
Most Alzheimer's research focuses on plaques. Donna Wilcock's lab at IU School of Medicine is focused on what's happening in the blood vessels — and why it matters just as much.
May 30, 2026
In Donna Wilcock's Alzheimer's lab, Abigail Wallace is the person everyone trusts — with the mice, the money and the science itself.
May 29, 2026
Stark Summer Science Symposium serves as turning point for trainees
Hundreds of trainees at the IU School of Medicine have participated in the annual Stark Summer Science Symposium, which provides a platform to present research through oral talks and poster presentations, exchange ideas and network.
May 27, 2026
Researchers use graph theory to discover how networks in the brain reorganize as Alzheimer’s disease progresses in humans.
April 28, 2026
Study sheds new light on impact of Alzheimer’s screening for caregivers and family members
A new study, the first of its kind, measured the long-term effects of Alzheimer's disease screening on caregivers.April 27, 2026
Indiana team a finalist for Alzheimer's disease research prize
A collaboration between IU School of Medicine, the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute and Notre Dame University, the Aletheia team was selected from more than 180 teams worldwide to be among the 10 semifinalists at the Alzheimer's disease summit.
March 20, 2026
Miles to go: IU researcher makes redefining caregiver support her personal mission
IU researcher and clinical psychologist Miriam Rodriguez is making it her personal mission to redefine caregiving for people with dementia, using the same grit and determination gained from half marathon running.March 17, 2026
Patricia Garcia combines her passion for cross-cultural research with bilingual clinical care to improve outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, traumatic brain injury and other neurodegenerative disorders.
March 04, 2026
Researchers identify promising Alzheimer’s disease drug target
The team found that removing an enzyme from neurons in the brain substantially reduces amyloid plaques — a hallmark characteristic of the disease — and may provide further resilience against disease progression.February 12, 2026