Suzanne Schindler, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, WashU Neurology

Knight ADRC Fluid Biomarker Core: The Knight ADRC has one of the largest biorepositories in the world of blood and cerebrospinal fluid samples from older individuals who have undergone assessment of their memory and thinking. Our lab collects these samples from research participants, processes them, and manages the biorepository. The samples are shared with investigators all over the world. Additionally, our lab performs fluid biomarker assays for analytes including CSF Aβ42, Aβ40, total tau, p-tau181, NfL, and GFAP. The data are used in many studies by investigators both within and outside of Washington University.
I lead the Adult Children Study-Project 2, which has as an aim the development and validation of novel CSF and plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer disease. Additionally, I received a large R01 to develop and validate novel CSF and plasma biomarkers of Alzheimer disease in collaboration with Dr. Randall Bateman. Goals of these projects include developing and validating blood tests that reflect Alzheimer disease brain pathology and symptoms.
I am very interested in translating research advances to clinical care, and I have a special interest in reducing health disparities. I coordinate CSF and blood biomarker testing for the Washington University Memory Diagnostic Center, which includes 16 clinicians specializing in memory and thinking issues. We are performing studies to understand the use of biomarkers in clinical care.