Project Description Narrative:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative condition that has become the leading cause of dementia worldwide. The disease manifests with symptoms such as memory lapses, impaired judgment, and difficulties in language comprehension and expression, causing significant disruptions in an individual's daily life. At the microscopic level, a notable characteristic of AD is the presence of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of tau protein within the brain's neuronal structures. Unfortunately, current therapeutic strategies focus mainly on symptom relief, and no treatments have been found to effectively halt or reverse the disease's progression. Despite considerable advances in the field, the exact mechanisms and causative factors behind AD remain elusive.
Given this gap in understanding, there is an urgent need for innovative research approaches. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 55 million individuals worldwide are affected by AD in 2023. In the United States, over 6 million Americans were diagnosed with AD, primarily those aged 65 and over. Wisconsin recorded 120,000 older adults diagnosed with AD in 2020, a figure expected to grow by 8.3% by 2025. With the global aging trend and Wisconsin anticipating a 60% increase in its population aged 65 and over by 2040, AD cases are projected to triple by mid-century. This rise presents significant medical and economic challenges. By 2030, dementia care costs are forecasted to exceed $1 trillion annually, and by 2025, Wisconsin's economic burden from AD is estimated to increase by nearly 22%. By enhancing understanding of the genetic determinants for AD risk, this project aims to provide scientific foundations to further advance comprehension and management of the disease.