Disorders

Research Grant - 2024

Research Category: Alzheimer’s Disease & other dementias

Dr Sarah Holper was the recipient of Brain Foundation grant funding in 2024

Alzheimer’s Disease & other dementias

Alzheimer’s Disease & other dementias
Using a blood test to discover the drivers of Alzheimer’s disease
Dr Sarah Holper
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (WEHI)
Co-Investigators : A/Prof. Nawaf Yassi, A/Prof. Rosie Watson, Dr Oneil Bhalala

Watch Dr Sarah Holper accept the research grant award and hear a bit about the project.

Project Summary:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, is typified by the toxic build-up of 2 proteins in the brain called amyloid beta (A) and tau. Despite decades of research, significant gaps exist in our understanding of the chemical processes that drive AD. Without this nuanced understanding, developing accurate diagnostic tests and therapies will be impossible. 

Proteomics is the study of the thousands of proteins in the human body – like A and tau – and how they interact and function. Proteomics provides a powerful, unbiased way to explore the molecular changes that occur in a person with AD, with a high potential to uncover novel results. 

I am a lead investigator on The SAMe Study: a project investigating a potential ‘anti-tau’ AD treatment called S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe). The study is a world-first placebo-controlled trial of SAMe among 60 participants with mild to moderate AD. The study’s main outcome is the change in levels of blood tau after taking SAMe or placebo for 6 months.

In addition to this targeted protein measurement, our unique samples offer an unprecedented opportunity for proteomic analyses. By testing our participants’ blood samples for thousands of proteins at once, our project is poised to uncover new biological insights into the molecular changes that occur in the brains of people with AD– both in response to SAMe supplementation, and as part of the normal disease course. Our proteomics findings may contribute to the development of much-needed cheap blood tests to help diagnose AD or monitor disease progression.

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