INTRODUCTION

The Clinical Research Group (CRG) aims to improve the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, and to detect biological, clinical and cognitive differences between healthy ageing and dementia.

The group collects, stores and analyses data from human
participants and human tissue samples.

The CRG is currently involved in studies including the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) Flagship Study of Ageing, the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer’s Network (DIAN) study, the Rates of Change
in Cognition Study (ROCS), and the Older Australian Twin
Study (OATS).

The AIBL study

This study is the largest of its kind in Australia, and the CRG has assessed and analysed data from over half of the 1112 person cohort.

Baseline data from this study was peer reviewed and published. The first follow-up assessment is nearing completion, with over 95% of the group returning.

Scientists are currently analysing data looking for early diagnostic markers. Results are suggesting promising areas for further exploration.

Improving experimental design

In 2009, the group began collaborating with AstraZeneca to study 200 volunteers from the AIBL group at short intervals (1-3 months apart) with a brief cognitive assessment.

They aim to improve methods and trial design for future clinical studies of Alzheimer's disease so that subjects are required for shorter time frames in
order to decide whether or not treatments are effective.

This study was announced in a press conference during the International Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease in Vienna. If successful it could substantially influence clinical trials practice in Alzheimer's disease.

Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's

Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis is leading a six-year, $16 million international research collaboration dedicated to understanding dominantly inherited forms of Alzheimer's disease.

Through the newly created Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer's Network (DIAN), investigators hope to enroll volunteers from various USA sites, one site in the UK, and an Australian consortium. The MHRI CRG is leading the Melbourne contribution to this important study.

Knowledge transfer

The CRG is disseminating its research to both the scientific community and the general public.

In conjunction with Alzheimer’s Australia Vic, the group continues to present a yearly function for participants in the AIBL study which includes presentations from leading scientists and provides a forum for questions
and discussion. Study volunteers are also kept up to date via regular
mail-outs.