# Optimizing semantic memory measures to detect tau- and amyloid- related cognitive change

> **NIH NIH K23** · BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL · 2020 · $137,808

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY / ABSTRACT
The overall goal of the proposed K23 research project is to better characterize semantic memory in relation to
Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers in order to maximize the predictive utility of cognitive markers to AD-
related cognitive change. Episodic memory impairment, the earliest and most prominently disabling cognitive
change in AD, is linked to AD pathology and remains the central focus of outcome measures used in clinical
trials. However, there is growing evidence that semantic memory (i.e., memory for meaning, general
knowledge, and factual information) also declines relatively early in the AD process which compels us to
explore whether semantic memory measures are sensitive and specific for identifying AD risk, are associated
with in vivo measures of AD pathology, and are potentially useful as clinical trial outcome measures. Based on
our preliminary data, we hypothesize that semantic memory will be related to both amyloid (PiB) and tau
(T807/AV1451) deposition on PET neuroimaging. Furthermore, we expect novel measures of semantic
memory to add sensitivity and specificity to traditional episodic memory measures and thus provide a useful
composite outcome measure in secondary prevention trials. The proposed research will leverage the rich
imaging and clinical dataset available from the NIA funded Harvard Aging Brain Study cohort and related
studies, but will provide a unique avenue of investigation for the candidate. The candidate is a clinical
neuropsychologist who seeks training in cognitive test development and validation, multi-modal neuroimaging,
and advanced analytic methods, in order to position her to become an independent researcher. The
candidate's career development will benefit from the close mentorship and scientific guidance of well-
established investigators with expertise spanning multiple disciplines. The findings from this study will inform
future secondary prevention trials, in which sensitive cognitive indicators of early AD will be necessary to better
identify high-risk subjects and track early clinical decline and response to treatment.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9930515
- **Project number:** 5K23AG053422-05
- **Recipient organization:** BRIGHAM AND WOMEN'S HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Kathryn Victoria Papp
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $137,808
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-01 → 2021-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9930515

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9930515, Optimizing semantic memory measures to detect tau- and amyloid- related cognitive change (5K23AG053422-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9930515. Licensed CC0.

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