# Burden and change in Alzheimers disease neuropathology in aging World Trade Center responders

> **NIH NIH R01** · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · 2024 · $793,762

## Abstract

Abstract
World Trade Center (WTC) responders were exposed to a mix of tiny dust particles as they participated in rescue
and recovery efforts at the WTC in the aftermath of 9/11/2001. A significant number continue to suffer from Post-
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result of their experiences. These may have changed their expectations
of health as they age. Our team has interrogated the potential for early signs of cognitive aging and has identified
higher than expected burden of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and, surprisingly, changes to physical functional
limitations (PFL) common in both physical disability and in neurodegenerative disease. Given the magnitude and
scale of events surrounding 9/11 and the level of exposure within a young civilian population, prior studies are
insufficient in determining the pathogenesis of MCI in the WTC responder cohort. We propose that MCI is arising
early because PTSD causes a neuroinflammatory response resulting in increased activation of the pituitary gland
resulting in increased Alzheimer’s disease neuropathology. We propose to conduct a large longitudinal PET/MRI
study of 120 medically-healthy WTC responders using two well-validated positron emission tomography (PET)
ligands ([11C]-PiB to measure β-amyloid, and [18F]-Flortaucipir to measure tauopathy). Detailed cognitive testing
will help to determine the level of cognitive dysfunction. Simultaneous structural MRI will be used to measure the
extent of neurodegeneration. Proteomic analyses will be completed to track changes and to validate a monitoring
program for biomarkers in this population. This study is timely because we are in a critical period when
neuropathology is still emerging.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10791872
- **Project number:** 5R01AG067590-04
- **Recipient organization:** STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK
- **Principal Investigator:** SEAN CLOUSTON
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $793,762
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2021-03-15 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10791872

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10791872, Burden and change in Alzheimers disease neuropathology in aging World Trade Center responders (5R01AG067590-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10791872. Licensed CC0.

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