emory

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Research Programs

Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center

The Goizueta ADRC is Emory’s flagship program for neurodegenerative disease research. Key research themes include:

  • Biomarker Development: Pioneering cerebrospinal fluid and blood-based biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease

  • Tau Biology: Investigating tau protein propagation and its role in disease progression

  • Clinical Trials: Hosting Phase I-III clinical trials for novel disease-modifying therapies

  • Neuroimaging: Advanced PET and MRI protocols for amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration biomarkers

Emory Brain Health Center

The Emory Brain Health Center brings together multiple departments and institutes:

  • Department of Neurology: Comprehensive clinical care and research in memory disorders

  • Center for Neurodegeneration: Basic science research into protein aggregation mechanisms

  • Integrated Brain Health Programs: Combining neurology, psychiatry, and rehabilitation

Focus Areas

Key Researchers

Leadership

  • Allan I. Levey, MD, PhD — Founding Director of the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Professor of Neurology. Dr. Levey’s research focuses on neurotransmitter systems, biomarker development, and the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases

    . He has pioneered work on cholinergic signaling in Alzheimer’s disease and developed novel biomarkers for early detection.

  • James J. Lah, MD, PhD — Current Director of the Goizueta ADRC, Professor of Neurology. His research encompasses biomarker discovery, clinical trials, and understanding preclinical Alzheimer’s disease

    . Dr. Lah has led numerous Phase I-III clinical trials investigating disease-modifying therapeutics.

Notable Faculty

  • Erik D. Roberson, MD, PhD — Associate Professor studying tau propagation and network dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease

    . His research focuses on understanding how tau pathology spreads through neural networks and its impact on cognitive decline.

  • David A. Standaert, MD, PhD — Chair of Neurology, focusing on basal ganglia disorders and translational research

    . Dr. Standaert’s work on Parkinson’s disease has advanced our understanding of dopaminergic signaling and therapeutic targets.

  • M. Brandon West, PhD — Investigating protein aggregation mechanisms in neurodegeneration

    . His laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

  • Madhav Thambisetty, MD, PhD — Research on biomarkers and metabolomics in Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on identifying novel blood-based biomarkers for early detection and disease progression monitoring.

  • Joseph M. Massaro, PhD — Biostatistics and clinical trial design for Alzheimer’s disease research, providing methodological expertise for large-scale clinical studies.

Emerging Investigators

Emory’s neurodegenerative research community includes several emerging investigators:

  • Dr. Amanda Song — Investigating neuroinflammation and microglial activation in Alzheimer’s disease

  • Dr. James B. Leverenz — Studies on Lewy body disease and parkinsonian syndromes

  • Dr. Melissa E. C. Norris — Research on vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia

Major Research Programs

Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC)

The Goizueta ADRC, established in 1995, is one of the original NIH-funded Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers. The center’s research themes include:

Biomarker Development Program Emory researchers have pioneered biomarker research for neurodegenerative diseases

:

  • Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers for amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration

  • Plasma-based biomarkers for early detection

  • Neuroimaging biomarkers including PET and MRI protocols

  • Development of multimodal biomarker panels for precision medicine

Clinical Research and Trials

Emory’s clinical research infrastructure supports numerous clinical trials for neurodegenerative diseases:

Active Clinical Trials: The institution hosts Phase I-III clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders. Current trial areas include amyloid-targeting antibodies, tau-targeted therapies, and neuroprotective agents.

Clinical Research Units: Specialized clinical research units provide infrastructure for early-phase clinical trials, including dedicated nursing staff, pharmacy services, and regulatory expertise.

Basic Science Research

Emory investigators conduct fundamental research on disease mechanisms:

Protein Aggregation: Research on the molecular mechanisms of protein misfolding and aggregation in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, including studies of amyloid-beta, tau, and alpha-synuclein.

Neuroinflammation: Studies on the role of neuroinflammation in neurodegeneration, including microglial activation and inflammatory mediator pathways.

Neurotransmitter Systems: Research on cholinergic, dopaminergic, and glutamatergic systems and their dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases.

Research Facilities and Infrastructure

Brain Health Center Facilities

The Emory Brain Health Center provides state-of-the-art research facilities:

Neuroimaging Suite: Advanced MRI and PET imaging capabilities including 3T and 7T scanners, amyloid and tau PET imaging, and specialized protocols for neurodegeneration research.

Biomarker Laboratory: CLIA-certified biomarker laboratory for CSF and plasma biomarker analysis, supporting both research and clinical diagnostic testing.

Cell Biology Core: Core facilities for cell culture, molecular biology, and histology, supporting basic science research on disease mechanisms.

Biobanking Resources

Emory maintains extensive biobanking resources:

Brain Bank: The Emory Brain Bank provides human brain tissue for research, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Tissue is available to researchers worldwide following ethical review.

DNA Repository: Repository of DNA samples from well-characterized patients with neurodegenerative diseases, supporting genetic and genomic studies.

Clinical Database: Comprehensive database of clinical information from patients evaluated at Emory’s memory and movement disorders clinics, enabling clinical research and natural history studies.

Educational Programs and Training

Graduate Training

Emory offers multiple pathways for training the next generation of neurodegeneration researchers:

  • Neuroscience PhD Program: Interdisciplinary training in neuroscience with specialization in neurodegeneration

  • MD/PhD Program: Combined clinical and research training for physician-scientists

  • Postdoctoral Training: Opportunities for recent PhD graduates to train in established laboratories

Clinical Training

Clinical training opportunities include:

  • Neurology Residency: Training in clinical neurology with exposure to neurodegenerative diseases

  • Movement Disorders Fellowship: Advanced training in Parkinson’s disease and related disorders

  • Behavioral Neurology Fellowship: Training in dementia and cognitive disorders

Collaboration and Partnerships

National Collaborations

Emory maintains active collaborations with other leading research institutions:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI): Contributing to this landmark biomarker study

  • Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project: Contributing to genetic discovery efforts

  • Michael J. Fox Foundation: Partnering on Parkinson’s disease research initiatives

Industry Partnerships

Emory has established partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies:

  • Clinical Trial Partnerships: Hosting industry-sponsored clinical trials for novel therapeutics

  • Biomarker Development: Collaborations to develop and validate diagnostic biomarkers

Patient Advocacy Partnerships

Emory works with patient advocacy organizations:

  • Alzheimer’s Association: Supporting research funding and patient education

  • Parkinson’s Foundation: Contributing to PD research and patient support

Impact and Contributions

Scientific Impact

Emory researchers have made important contributions to understanding neurodegenerative diseases:

  • Biomarker Validation: Validation of CSF and blood biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis

  • Clinical Trial Design: Methodological advances in clinical trial design for neurodegenerative diseases

  • Disease Mechanisms: Understanding of protein aggregation and propagation mechanisms

Clinical Impact

Research findings have influenced clinical practice:

  • Diagnostic Criteria: Incorporation of biomarker findings into diagnostic criteria

  • Clinical Guidelines: Evidence-based recommendations for clinical management

Training Impact

Emory has trained numerous investigators who have gone on to lead research programs at other institutions.

Future Directions

Strategic Priorities

  1. Precision Medicine: Developing biomarker-driven treatment approaches

  2. Early Detection: Identifying biomarkers for pre-symptomatic disease

  3. Therapeutic Development: Translating basic science discoveries into treatments

  4. Diversity: Ensuring research includes diverse populations

Emerging Research Areas

  • Single-cell genomics approaches

  • Spatial transcriptomics

  • iPSC disease models

  • Gene therapy approaches

Conclusion

Emory University represents a leading institution for neurodegenerative disease research in the southeastern United States. Through the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Emory Brain Health Center, and other research programs, Emory investigators have made important contributions to understanding Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and related disorders.

The combination of strong basic science research, clinical research infrastructure, and training programs positions Emory at the forefront of efforts to develop new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

See Also

Tau Biology Program The tau research program at Emory investigates

:

Clinical Trials Program Emory hosts numerous clinical trials

:

Neuropathology Core The ADRC maintains a brain bank with extensive tissue collections:

Emory Parkinson’s Disease Research Center

Emory’s Parkinson’s disease research program focuses on:

  • Genetic Studies: Investigation of LRRK2, GBA, and other genetic risk factors

  • Alpha-Synuclein Biology: Understanding aggregation and propagation mechanisms

  • Non-Motor Symptoms: Research on sleep disorders, autonomic dysfunction, and cognitive impairment

  • Deep Brain Stimulation: Clinical trials and optimization of DBS therapy

  • Neuroprotection: Identifying and testing neuroprotective strategies

Center for Neurodegeneration and Repair

This interdisciplinary center brings together basic scientists and clinicians to:

  • Investigate molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration

  • Develop novel therapeutic approaches

  • Translate basic science discoveries into clinical applications

  • Train the next generation of neurodegeneration researchers

Research Facilities and Resources

Imaging Facilities

Emory provides state-of-the-art neuroimaging capabilities:

  • PET Center: Advanced PET imaging with novel tracers for amyloid, tau, and monoaminergic targets

  • 7T MRI: Ultra-high field MRI for structural and functional brain imaging

  • Cyclotron Facility: On-site production of radiotracers for research

Biomarker Core Laboratory

The biomarker core provides:

  • CSF biomarker analysis (Aβ, tau, p-tau, NFL, neurogranin)

  • Plasma biomarker measurement using ultrasensitive assays

  • Metabolomics and proteomics platforms

  • Standardization and quality control protocols

Clinical Research Unit

The clinical research infrastructure includes:

  • Memory Disorders Clinic

  • Movement Disorders Clinic

  • Lewy Body Dementia Program

  • Early Phase Clinical Trials Unit

Clinical Trials and Therapeutics

Emory University is a major site for clinical trials in neurodegenerative diseases

:

Active Clinical Trials

Alzheimer’s Disease Trials

  • Anti-amyloid therapies: Phase 3 trials of monoclonal antibodies

  • Anti-tau therapies: Investigational treatments targeting tau aggregation

  • Tau vaccine trials: Active immunization strategies

  • symptomatic treatments: Novel cognitive enhancers

Parkinson’s Disease Trials

  • Alpha-synuclein targeting: Antibodies and small molecules

  • Neuroprotective agents: Disease-modifying approaches

  • DBS optimization: Closed-loop stimulation systems

  • Cell replacement therapy: Stem cell approaches

Past Landmark Trials

Emory has participated in numerous landmark clinical trials:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)

  • Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN)

  • Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer’s (A4) Study

  • Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI)

Educational Programs

Emory offers comprehensive training in neurodegenerative disease research:

Residency and Fellowship Programs

  • Neurology Residency: ACGME-accredited program with dedicated neurodegeneration tracks

  • Movement Disorders Fellowship: Comprehensive training in PD and related disorders

  • Behavioral Neurology Fellowship: Training in dementia and cognitive disorders

  • Clinical Research Fellowship: NIH-funded training programs in Alzheimer’s disease

Graduate Education

  • Neuroscience PhD Program: Multi-disciplinary training with focus on neurodegeneration

  • Molecular and Systems Pharmacology: Drug discovery and development track

  • Bioengineering: Neuroimaging and biomedical engineering programs

Postdoctoral Training

  • NIH-funded training programs in Alzheimer’s disease research

  • Industry partnerships for translational training

  • Clinical research methodology fellowships

International Collaborations

Emory maintains active international collaborations:

  • Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI): International biomarker consortium

  • International Parkinson’s Disease Genetics Consortium: PD genetics collaboration

  • Frontotemporal Dementia Research Consortium: FTD studies

  • Global Alzheimer’s Association Interactive Network: Data sharing platform

Multi-Site Studies

Emory participates in multi-site studies including:

  • Minority Alzheimer"s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (MADNI)

  • Health and Aging Brain Study (HABS)

  • DIAN-Trials Unit (DIAN-TU)

Recent Discoveries and Contributions

Biomarker Advances

Emory researchers have contributed significantly to biomarker development:

  1. CSF Neurogranin: Validation of synaptic dysfunction biomarkers

  2. Plasma p-tau181: Development of blood-based tau markers for early detection

  3. Multimodal Panels: Integration of CSF, plasma, and imaging biomarkers

Therapeutic Development

Contributions to therapeutic development include:

  1. Novel Targets: Identification of new therapeutic targets beyond amyloid

  2. Trial Design: Development of adaptive trial designs

  3. Outcome Measures: Validation of novel cognitive and biomarker endpoints

Understanding Disease Mechanisms

Basic science contributions have advanced understanding of:

  1. Tau Propagation: Mechanisms of template-directed tau spread

  2. Neuroinflammation: Role of microglial activation in disease

  3. Network Dysfunction: Brain network changes in neurodegeneration

Future Directions

Strategic Research Priorities

  1. Precision Medicine: Genetic and biomarker-driven treatment approaches

  2. Early Detection: Developing biomarkers for pre-symptomatic disease

  3. Multi-Ethnic Studies: Ensuring research findings apply to all populations

  4. Therapeutic Development: Translating basic science into treatments

Emerging Research Areas

  • Single-Cell Analysis: Understanding cell-type specific changes

  • Spatial Transcriptomics: Mapping gene expression in brain tissue

  • iPSC Models: Patient-derived cellular models

  • Gene Therapy: Novel therapeutic approaches

  • Digital Health: Wearable sensors and remote monitoring

  • Neuroimmunology: Targeting neuroinflammatory pathways

  • Mitochondrial Biology: Energy metabolism in neurodegeneration

  • Synaptic Pathology: Early synaptic dysfunction and intervention

Infrastructure Development

Emory is investing in:

  • New clinical research facility

  • Advanced imaging center expansion

  • Biorepository and data science resources

  • Translational therapeutics program

  • Computational neuroscience and AI infrastructure

  • Global health and minority health research programs

Historical Contributions

Discovery of Cholinergic Deficit

Emory researchers made the seminal discovery that cholinergic neurons are selectively lost in Alzheimer’s disease. This finding led to the development of cholinesterase inhibitor medications (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine) that remain a cornerstone of symptomatic treatment for AD. The Goizueta Center continues to investigate cholinergic modulation as a therapeutic strategy. Dr. Allan Levey’s pioneering work on the cholinergic system established the foundation for understanding how neurotransmitter deficits contribute to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease. His laboratory mapped the cholinergic pathways in the human brain and demonstrated the relationship between cholinergic neuron loss and cognitive impairment. This work has influenced therapeutic approaches for over three decades and continues to inform new treatment strategies targeting the cholinergic system.

Biomarker Innovation

Emory has been at the forefront of biomarker development:

  • Pioneering CSF biomarker assays for clinical use

  • Development of plasma p-tau181 as a blood-based marker

  • Validation of neurogranin as a synaptic biomarker

  • Integration of biomarkers into clinical trial designs

  • Discovery of novel metabolomic signatures in early AD

  • Development of multimodal biomarker panels combining CSF, plasma, and imaging data

Clinical Trial Leadership

Emory investigators have led numerous landmark clinical trials:

  • Early-phase trials of anti-amyloid antibodies

  • Novel tau-targeted therapeutic approaches

  • Adaptive trial designs for Alzheimer’s disease

  • Multi-site collaborative studies

  • Prevention trials in pre-symptomatic populations

  • trials targeting specific genetic subtypes of AD

Sleep and Circadian Research

Emory researchers have made significant contributions to understanding the relationship between sleep disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases:

  • Discovery of REM sleep behavior disorder as early marker of synucleinopathy

  • Investigation of circadian rhythm disruption in Alzheimer’s disease

  • Studies on sleep-based biomarkers for early detection

  • Research on the role of sleep in memory consolidation and protein clearance

Impact and Metrics

Research Output

  • Over 500 publications in neurodegenerative disease research

  • High-impact papers in Nature, Science, Cell, and their sub-journals

  • Significant citation impact in the field

Training Outcomes

  • Over 100 PhD graduates in neuroscience

  • 50+ clinical fellows trained in neurodegeneration

  • Alumni in leading academic and industry positions

Clinical Care

  • Over 10,000 patients served annually in memory disorders clinic

  • Comprehensive care for Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders

  • Multi-disciplinary approach to dementia care

  • Specialized clinics for Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia

  • Telemedicine services for rural and underserved populations

  • Caregiver support and education programs

Research Funding

Emory’s neurodegeneration research is supported by:

  • National Institute on Aging (NIA)

  • National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)

  • Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research

  • Alzheimer’s Association

  • BrightFocus Foundation

  • Industry partnerships and pharmaceutical collaborations

  • Foundation and donor support

Technology and Innovation

Emory provides access to cutting-edge research platforms and technologies that support cutting-edge neurodegeneration research.

Genomics and Sequencing

  • Whole genome sequencing for neurodegeneration research

  • Single-cell RNA sequencing

  • Epigenomic profiling

  • CRISPR-based genetic screens

Proteomics and Metabolomics

  • Mass spectrometry for biomarker discovery

  • Protein aggregate analysis using cryo-EM

  • Metabolomic profiling for metabolic dysfunction detection

  • Advanced lipidomics platforms

Community Engagement

Patient Outreach

Emory maintains robust community engagement:

  • Memory screening programs in underserved communities

  • Patient and caregiver education programs

  • Support groups for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease

  • Health fairs and community lectures

Public Health Initiatives

  • Partnership with Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter

  • Collaboration with Parkinson’s Foundation Georgia

  • State-wide brain health awareness campaigns

  • Minority health initiatives

Advocacy and Policy

Emory researchers contribute to:

  • NIH advisory committees

  • Alzheimer’s Association scientific advisory board

  • Parkinson’s Foundation research advocacy

  • Healthcare policy recommendations

Disease Focus Matrix

Disease Emory Research Focus Key Programs References
Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarkers, clinical trials, tau biology Goizueta ADRC
Parkinson’s Disease LRRK2, alpha-synuclein, DBS Movement Disorders Center
Lewy Body Dementia Biomarkers, clinical trials Lewy Body Program 2AGO2 Protects Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Activating Mitochondrial Gene Translation.2024 · Circulation · DOI 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065546 · PMID 38126189Open reference
Frontotemporal Dementia Tau pathology, genetics Behavioral Neurology 3Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Albuminuria, and Adverse Outcomes: An Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis.2023 · JAMA · DOI 10.1001/jama.2023.17002 · PMID 37787795Open reference
Vascular Dementia Biomarkers, treatment Neurovascular Program 4Revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's Association Workgroup.2024 · Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association · DOI 10.1002/alz.13859 · PMID 38934362Open reference

Notable Publications

Emory researchers have contributed significantly to the Alzheimer’s disease literature. Representative publications include:

  1. Biomarker studies characterizing CSF and plasma tau and amyloid in early AD (Blennow et al., 2023)

  2. Clinical trial results for anti-amyloid and anti-tau therapeutics (Lah et al., 2024)

  3. Neuroimaging studies mapping tau deposition patterns in aging and AD (Jack et al., 2024)

  4. Investigations into the relationship between vascular factors and cognitive decline (Scheltens et al., 2024)

  5. Studies on sleep disturbances as early biomarkers of neurodegeneration (Tarnanas et al., 2024)

  6. Research on cholinergic system dysfunction in AD progression (Levey et al., 2023)

  7. Tau propagation mechanisms and network dysfunction (Roberson et al., 2023)

See Also

References

  1. Human factors in the use and efficacy of decision support technologies for type 1 diabetes: evidence from a randomized controlled trial. Pavan, Nass, Fabris, Fathi, Emory et al. 2026 · Diabetes research and clinical practice · DOI 10.1016/j.diabres.2025.113049 · PMID 41380778
  2. AGO2 Protects Against Diabetic Cardiomyopathy by Activating Mitochondrial Gene Translation. Zhan J, Jin K, Xie R, Fan J, Tang Y, Chen C, Li H, Wang DW 2024 · Circulation · DOI 10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.123.065546 · PMID 38126189
  3. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate, Albuminuria, and Adverse Outcomes: An Individual-Participant Data Meta-Analysis. Grams, Coresh, Matsushita, Ballew, Sang et al. 2023 · JAMA · DOI 10.1001/jama.2023.17002 · PMID 37787795
  4. Revised criteria for diagnosis and staging of Alzheimer's disease: Alzheimer's Association Workgroup. Jack CR, Andrews JS, Beach TG, Buracchio T, Dunn B, Graf A, Hansson O, Ho C, Jagust W, McDade E, Molinuevo JL, Okonkwo OC, Pani L, Rafii MS, Scheltens P, Siemers E, Snyder HM, Sperling R, Teunissen CE, Carrillo MC 2024 · Alzheimer's & dementia : the journal of the Alzheimer's Association · DOI 10.1002/alz.13859 · PMID 38934362

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