The Immune Profiling in Early Cognitive Disorders (IMPRINT) study investigates the role of neuroinflammation in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Inflammation is the process by which the immune system (white blood cells and other proteins) work to protect the body from things that may harm it. Whilst this is an important process to protect the body, in some instances the inflammation itself can be too extreme or continue for too long and then actually be harmful rather than helpful.
Neuroinflammation (inflammation in the brain) has long been associated with dementia, as immune cells work to clean up proteins which build up in the brains of those affected by the condition. There now exists increasing evidence that the immune system, through these processes may play an important role in the progression of the disease.
Using a range of clinical assessments and advanced scientific techniques involving blood and cerebrospinal fluid, we aim to develop a much better understanding of the inflammatory signals that occur in Alzheimer’s disease and DLB. We aim to investigate whether genes or other illnesses associated with inflammation predict memory problems and brain changes. As well, to investigate whether there is a specific immune signature in blood and/or CSF in early Alzheimer’s disease and DLB and how these develop over time.
