Our research project aims to discover, develop, and validate both protein and imaging biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, over a 36-month period, using the UK Biobank. Biomarkers are biological variables that differ between people and can be measured to assess health conditions or responses to treatments. By identifying these novel biomarkers, we seek to improve the diagnosis of these diseases, understand how they progress over time, and identify differences between patients that might lead to different health outcomes. We also aim to validate these biomarkers within the UK Biobank, ensuring that they predict clinical outcomes effectively across demographic and clinical groups. For example, we will compare their performance in younger and older individuals and in those with and without other relevant diseases. Additionally, we will develop and validate machine learning models that use these validated biomarkers to predict disease course and other relevant clinical endpoints. The ultimate goal is to provide tools that accelerate clinical trials, enhance patient care, and support the development of treatments, significantly impacting public health by enabling precision medicine for neurodegenerative diseases.
