SUMMARY
Vijay K Ramanan, M.D., Ph.D., studies healthy aging, neurodegenerative disorders and cerebrovascular disease. He specifically collaborates with colleagues in neuroradiology, genomics, laboratory medicine, neuropsychology, and neuropathology on projects related to the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and affiliated studies and the Alzheimer's Disease Treatment Clinic.
His research centers on the identification of genetic factors that influence risk and heterogeneity within Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Ramanan's work integrates cross-sectional and longitudinal multi-omics, neuroimaging and fluid biomarkers, and clinical and epidemiologic data for discovery.
Focus areas
- Genetic associations with resistance — avoidance — and resilience — coping — with neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular pathology.
- Integration of polygenic risk scores to enhance the utility of blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders.
- Application of emerging therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease into clinical practice.
Significance to patient care
For Alzheimer's disease and similar brain diseases, there is an urgent need for improved treatment options and better tools to predict who is at risk and how the disease will progress. Dr. Ramanan's research focuses on finding genetic and other factors that influence a person's risk. He studies how quickly thinking and memory worsen. He also studies how well new treatments may work.
Professional highlights
- Member, Executive Committee, Alzheimer's Clinical Trials Consortium, 2025-present.
- Mayo Clinic:
- Vice chair, Clinical Practice, Department of Neurology, 2024-present.
- Innovation in Aging Award, Robert and Arlene Kogod Center on Aging, 2024.
- Karis Award, Mayo Clinic Values Council, 2024.
- Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award, 2018.
- American Academy of Neurology:
- Participant, Science Committee, 2023-present.
- Participant, Member Engagement Committee, 2019-present.
- Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Certification, United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, 2020.
- Participant, Institute on Methods and Protocols for Advancement of Clinical Trials in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, Alzheimer's Therapeutic Research Institute, University of Southern California, 2020.