VCID: Develop and validate VCID biomarkers (Milestone 9.R)
In Progress
Timeline Start - End
2016 - 2025Research Implementation Area
BiomarkersAD-Related Dementias Focus
Develop and validate markers of VCID in diverse populations using 1) cognitive, physical, or other functional assessments, and 2) biomarkers of key vascular processes, including in the most common scenario where VCID is accompanied by AD in human studies.
Success Criteria
- Complete at least one human-based project to validate for clinical trials imaging and fluid-based biomarkers of small vessel VCID in that include general and diverse populations in the United States (at a minimum Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and White populations).
- At least one clinically validated VCID biomarker that is clinical trial ready with a defined biomarker category and context of use.
Summary of Key Accomplishments
Until recently, diagnosis of brain arteriolosclerosis, which is one of the main pathologies of cerebral small vessel disease that is known to contribute to cognitive decline and dementia, was only possible at autopsy. Through the NIH funded MarkVCID consortium, researchers have developed an assessment that combines MRI pictures of the brain taken with other factors such as age and gender to measure arteriolosclerosis. Known as ARTS, this new biomarker is associated with increased chance of cognitive decline two-years later and shows good performance in predicting disease. Current work is focused on clinically validating this biomarker, including in Black and Hispanic populations, for use in future clinical trials and for generating scientific breakthroughs in understanding and treating small vessel vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID).
The key accomplishments summary is current as of July 2022.
Accomplishments/Implementation Activities
Funding Initiatives
- RFA-AG-15-010: Interdisciplinary Research to Understand the Vascular Contributions to Alzheimer's Disease (R01)
- RFA-NS-16-019: Small Vessel Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) Biomarkers Consortium: Coordinating Center (U24)
- RFA-NS-16-020: Small Vessel Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) Biomarkers Development Projects (UH2/UH3)
- RFA-NS-19-014: Center without Walls for PET Ligand Development for Alzheimer's disease related dementias (ADRDs) (U19)
- RFA-NS-20-013: White Matter Disease Etiology of Dementia in the U.S. Including in Health Disparities Populations
- RFA-NS-21-004: Small Vessel VCID Biomarkers Validation Consortium Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- RFA-NS-21-005: Small Vessel VCID Biomarkers Validation Consortium Coordinating Center (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
- NOT-NS-21-038: Hyperacute MRI Imaging Studies to Understand How Brain Changes Affect AD/ADRD-Relevant Trajectories and Outcomes Post-Stroke
Research Programs and Resources
- MarkVCID
- Diverse VCID: White Matter Lesion Etiology of Dementia in Diverse Populations
- Projects funded under RFA-NS-21-005
- Select projects funded in FY22
Research Highlights
Relevant Recommendations
- 2016 ADRD Summit: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID), Including Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Vascular Dementia (VCID) Focus Area 2: Human-Based Studies, Recommendation 1
- 2022 ADRD Summit: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia (VCID) Milestone 4, Priority 1