The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a $15.3 million grant to help researchers diagnose the progressive brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in the living. The funds, from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Institute on Aging, will form a consortium of top academic research centers, led by the Boston University CTE Center, known as “The DIAGNOSE CTE Research Project-II.” The study will examine new potential biomarkers using blood and brain imaging to help doctors accurately diagnose CTE in living patients. It will also help doctors learn how to differentiate CTE in the clinic from similar diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Psychology literature has shown that curiosity tends to decline with age. Research from an international team of psychologists, including from UCLA, shows one type of curiosity can increase well into old age, contradicting prior research. Older adults who maintain curiosity and want to learn new things relevant to their interests may be able to offset or even prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Conversely, those who show muted curiosity and disinterest may be at risk for dementia.