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Neuropathology Core

A definite diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, is only possible at autopsy, which also permits collection of brain tissue that can be used for research. The Neuropathology Core collects brain tissue on participants in the Einstein Aging Study for both diagnosis and to promote research on neurodegenerative disorders of the elderly.

Overview​

The major purpose of the Neuropathology Core (NP Core) is to perform diagnostic neuropathologic evaluations on brains of participants in the Einstein Aging Study (EAS) and to provide research support for the Projects.

The NP Core integrates its activities with the neuropathology service at Montefiore Medical Center, led by Dr. Steven S. Chin, who oversees the on-call service for harvesting brains in a timely fashion of subjects enrolled in the EAS. The NP Core uses standardized dissection and processing procedures and collects neuropathologic data on all brains. Diagnostic reports are provided to key personnel of the EAS as soon as they are completed by electronic communication. Clinicopathologic correlation analyses are discussed at annual meetings or through on-line virtual meetings using Zoom. The Specific Aims of the NP Core are as follows:

  • Aim 1. Perform brain autopsies and prepare tissue for transport from Montefiore Hospital to Mayo Clinic.
  • Aim 2. Perform diagnostic evaluations using a standardized and systematic approach that has been used over the life of the EAS, permitting use of the entire autopsy cohort for clinicopathologic correlative studies and for use in research studies.
  • Aim 3. Enter data from the neuropathology report into an Access database. Generate a written report for communication with clinicians and family members. Store a digital copy on Mayo servers, with linkage to the NP Core database that is also linked to tissue inventory, ancillary data (e.g., genetic data), as well as quantitative pathology and demographics, which permits pooling of Einstein Aging Study cases with larger clinicopathologic studies. Neuropathologic data are transferred to Biostatistics and Data Management Core.
  • Aim 4. The NP Core will support exploratory studies in support of Projects, such as correlations with antemortem biomarkers and assessment of neuroinflammation and pollutants in brain tissue. The NP Core collects measures of cerebrovascular pathology, including microvascular and white matter pathology, which can be used to explore pathologic relationships to cardiovascular measures. The NP Core has tools to assess advanced glycation end products in the brain as a possible correlate of glycemic control.
  • Aim 5. Sharing of tissue. The Neuropathology Core banks fixed and frozen brain tissue, as well as paraffin blocks on all cases. DNA and RNA are extracted from tissue. Fixed and frozen tissue, as well as DNA, slides and paraffin blocks are available for sharing with qualified investigators with approval of the Administrative Core.
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To read more about the Neropathology Core from NIH RePORTER, click here.