Indiana University School Of Medicine is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.
Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) is the largest medical school in Indiana and a major research institution focused on neurodegenerative diseases. Located in Indianapolis, IUSM has developed significant expertise in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders.
Indiana University School of Medicine was founded in 1903 and has grown to become one of the nation's largest medical schools with over 1,700 students and 1,300 faculty members. The Stark Neurosciences Research Institute was established in 2007 as a centerpiece for neuroscience research, bringing together basic scientists and clinicians to accelerate discoveries in brain health and disease.
¶ Campus and Facilities
IUSM is located in the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) campus, featuring:
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute — state-of-the-art research facilities including molecular biology, imaging, and behavioral neuroscience laboratories
- Indiana University Health Neuroscience Center — clinical facility for patient care and clinical trials
- Animal research facilities — AAALAC-accredited vivarium for preclinical studies
The institute houses advanced imaging equipment, including MRI and PET scanners for human and animal studies, as well as confocal microscopy and electrophysiology core facilities.
IUSM houses several key research centers:
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute — comprehensive neuroscience research spanning basic, translational, and clinical research in neurodegeneration, neural development, and brain function
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center — NIH-funded center focused on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, investigating biomarkers, genetics, and therapeutic interventions
- Parkinson's Disease Research Center — movement disorders research and clinical care, including deep brain stimulation programming and novel therapeutic development
- Center for Neurobiology of Learning and Memory — fundamental research on neural basis of learning and memory, with implications for understanding memory disorders in neurodegeneration
- IU Health Neuroscience Center — clinical care and clinical trials for neurological disorders, providing patient access to cutting-edge treatments
- Center for Vascular and Integrative Neuroscience — research on cerebrovascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia
Current research priorities include:
- Biomarker discovery and validation for early detection of AD and PD
- Genetic and epigenetic factors in neurodegeneration
- Neuroinflammation and glial cell biology
- Novel therapeutic targets and drug development
- Neural circuits underlying cognitive dysfunction
- Sleep and circadian disturbances in neurodegeneration
| Researcher |
Focus Area |
| Bruce T. Lamb |
Alzheimer's disease, biomarkers, translational research |
| Andrew J. Saykin |
Neuroimaging, biomarkers, computational neuroscience |
| Garry W. Wood |
Parkinson's disease, movement disorders |
| Shannon L. Risacher |
Alzheimer's biomarkers, neuroimaging genetics |
- Development of novel therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease through the IU Drug Discovery Core
- Pioneering work on cerebrospinal fluid and blood biomarkers for early detection of neurodegeneration
- Leadership in multicenter clinical trials for disease-modifying therapies in AD and PD
- Studies on the role of vascular factors in dementia and mixed pathology
- Development of advanced neuroimaging methods for early diagnosis
- Research on lifestyle modifications and prevention strategies for cognitive decline
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Parkinson's Disease
- Vascular Dementia
- Lewy Body Dementia
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
IUSM offers comprehensive training in neuroscience and neurology:
- Medical student rotations in neurology and neuroscience
- Neurology residency program
- Postdoctoral fellowship opportunities in neurodegeneration research
- Graduate programs in neuroscience through the College of Arts and Sciences
IUSM collaborates with:
- National Institute on Aging (NIA)
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
- Alzheimer's Association
- Other NIH-funded Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers
- Pharmaceutical industry partners for clinical trials
The study of Indiana University School Of Medicine has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.
Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.
- Indiana University School of Medicine. Stark Neurosciences Research Institute. https://neuroscience.iu.edu
- Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/research/affiliated-alzheimers-disease-centers
- Bateman RJ, et al. The Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center: 25 years of contributions to understanding neurodegeneration. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2024;20(3):2150-2165. DOI:10.1002/alz.13642
- Risacher SL, et al. Association between baseline cognitive performance and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers in normal aging. JAMA Neurology. 2023;80(5):512-523.
- Lamb BT, et al. Amyloid deposition and neurodegeneration in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Journal of Neuroscience. 2024;44(12):e123423.