INDIANAPOLIS – Liana G. Apostolova, MS, MD, FAAN, has been named associate dean for Alzheimer’s disease research at Indiana University School of Medicine. The role is a newly established leadership position on the research cabinet of Tatiana Foroud, PhD, executive associate dean for research affairs at the school.
Apostolova, a Distinguished Professor and the Barbara and Peer Baekgaard Professor of Alzheimer’s Disease Research at IU School of Medicine, is an internationally recognized leader in Alzheimer’s research. Some of her most notable work includes leading a first-of-its-kind, national study to examine early onset Alzheimer’s disease and directing the clinical core of the Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center at IU School of Medicine.
“I’m thrilled that Dr. Apostolova will bring her vast experience and talents to the associate dean for Alzheimer’s disease research position,” Foroud said. “Advancing scientific and clinical knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease is a key priority area of the IU School of Medicine, which boasts one of the nation’s most comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease research programs from basic science to drug discovery. Our goal is to lead the field in our understanding of the underlying factors contributing to Alzheimer’s disease, utilize this information to develop innovative treatments and interventions, and develop long-term strategies that reduce human suffering from this devastating disorder.”
As part of her new role, Apostolova’s responsibilities include:
- Leveraging IU School of Medicine’s scientific capabilities around fluid biomarkers—biological molecules that signal an abnormal condition or disease that can be monitored to see how well the body responds to treatment—to broaden the school’s research leadership in this area.
- Working with school leadership to advance career development and mentorship opportunities related to Alzheimer’s disease research among underrepresented-in-medicine faculty and mid-career faculty.
“I’m excited to work with Dr. Foroud and my colleagues across IU School of Medicine to help advance research that will ultimately help improve the lives of Alzheimer’s disease patients and their loved ones,” Apostolova said. “I’ve spent most of my career working to better understand Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as caring for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, so I’m very passionate about tackling these bold goals.”
Apostolova started the new role April 1, 2023.
About IU School of Medicine
IU School of Medicine is the largest medical school in the United States and is annually ranked among the top medical schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The school offers high-quality medical education, access to leading medical research and rich campus life in nine Indiana cities, including rural and urban locations consistently recognized for livability.