Our Research

Our large, international research efforts include clinical trials and basic science studies focused on dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease.

For Investigators

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Collaborators

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DIAN Target Validation Symposium

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Learn more

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Three major research efforts

DIAN works directly with individuals and families who are impacted by DIAD or who are at risk for developing the disease. There are three independent but related efforts currently under way.

EXR Expanded Registry

An international repository coordinated by the DIAN-TU whose purpose is to connect researchers studying dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s disease (DIAD) with individuals and families who are or may be affected by the disease. Health professionals, researchers, as well as DIAD individuals and families may register. Joining the Registry is one way that participants can learn about the DIAN Observational Study and DIAN clinical trials as well as gain access to resources, such as family conferences and other educational opportunities.

Observational Study

Funded by a multi-year research grant from the National Institute on Aging, the DIAN Observational Study enrolls family members who have parents with a mutated gene known to cause dominantly inherited Alzheimer’s. Through the study, researchers follow individuals and family members to see if insights gained could lead to better understanding of how the disease progresses in order to identify solutions to prevent DIAD or minimize its impact.

Clinical Trials

Researchers now are evaluating promising drugs to treat DIAD. Through the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network Trials Unit (DIAN-TU), based at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, these researchers have initiated the world’s first Alzheimer’s disease prevention trial, in DIAD families.