Glossary
Amyloids
A form of protein build-up, amyloids are associated with the development of various diseases, including neurodegenerative conditions. Amyloids themselves can be made up of various types of protein.
Atrophy
Refers to the ‘wasting away’ of part of the body, either partially or fully. In dementia research, brain atrophy can refer to damage occurring in the brain, leading to problems with thinking, memory, mood, or everyday tasks.
Biomarkers
Measurable indicators or substances found in biological samples such as blood and urine. They provide information about a biological process, condition, or disease.
Cohort
A cohort of people is a group who have something in common. Cohort studies are a type of longitudinal study – an approach that follows research participants over a period of time (often many years).
Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term to describe a collection of symptoms experienced when living with diseases or conditions that affect brain health. They are both progressive and persistent, getting worse over time. Alzheimer’s disease is an example of a type of dementia.
Exposome
The exposome refers to the totality of environmental exposures that we are exposed to throughout our lifetime, starting from conception and pregnancy.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are a type of chemical compound that are used in a wide array of products. They are a type of POP chemical, meaning they stay in our environment for a long time. There are health concerns related to PFAS pollution.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Types of chemicals, often used in agricultural and industrial settings, that linger in the environment for a very long time, resisting natural breakdown. They can make their way into food chains.
Statistical power
The ability of a statistical test or analysis to detect a true effect or relationship between components when it exists.
Tau tangles
A common biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease, ‘tau tangles’ or just ‘tangles’ are clusters of a type of protein. These proteins are misshapen and end up bundling together in our neurons (cells in the brain). It’s not exactly known how they cause issues like Alzheimer’s disease.