Christopher Van Dyck, MD

Christopher Van Dyck's research focuses on neuroimaging and therapeutic studies of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive aging. His current imaging research utilizes positron emission tomography (PET) to study the beta-amyloid (Aβ) and tau proteins, as well as the synaptic targets SV2A and mGluR5. He and his team are examining the full spectrum of AD, including AD-dementia, the prodromal condition of amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment (aMCI), and preclinical AD in individuals at high familial and genetic risk. He also has extensive experience in the conduct and leadership of therapeutic trials in AD. Since 1991, he has led or participated in approximately 100 clinical trials for AD, including the prodromal or preclinical stages. Van Dyck’s research interests intersect with the Institute's mission by providing the critical human link for many faculty whose research is focused on preclinical models. In particular, his human molecular neuroimaging studies provide translation of preclinical models of brain aging and AD pathogenesis. Similarly, his human clinical trials test therapeutic mechanisms derived from animal models of aging and age-related diseases.

biomarkers ;  clinical trials ;  neuropsychological patients ;  pharmacology ;  positron emission tomography  

aging ;  cognition ;  neurodegenerative diseases  

Van Dyck is a graduate of Yale College, Northwestern Medical School, and completed his psychiatry residency along with fellowships in geriatric psychiatry and neuroimaging at Yale School of Medicine. He subsequently joined the Yale faculty, where he is Professor of Psychiatry, Neurology, and Neuroscience, as well as Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and the Division of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry. He is married to Professor Amy Arnsten, and they have two adult children—a son who is a rock musician and a daughter who is a physician.