Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias (AD/ADRD)

Richard Spencer , Ph.D., M.D., Chief

Christopher Ramsden , M.D., Ph.D., Chief

Bryan J. Traynor , M.D., Ph.D., Chief

The Neuromuscular Diseases Research Section investigates the causes and biology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Our focus is on turning discoveries into better diagnosis and faster development of treatments. We combine large-scale human genetics with detailed molecular profiling to understand disease processes, improve patient grouping, and create biomarkers and outcome tools for clinical trials.

Huaibin Cai , Ph.D., Chief

Our research focuses on elucidating the circuit- and cell-type–specific mechanisms that drive age-related neurodegenerative disorders, with a primary focus on Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a rapidly growing neurodegenerative condition that disproportionately affects older adults and manifests not only with progressive motor impairments but also with debilitating non-motor symptoms — such as depression, chronic pain, cognitive decline, and dementia — that remain inadequately treated.

Mustapha Bouhrara , Ph.D., Chief

The Longitudinal Studies Section of the Translational Gerontology Branch of the Intramural Program of the National Institute on Aging focuses on mechanisms underlying heterogeneity in human health and function with aging, including molecular, cellular, physiologic and behavioral factors. In addition to our longitudinal studies of aging, including BLSA and Gestalt, we carry out smaller human studies of mechanisms and collaborate with other laboratories to pursue translational aging research across species.