Ann McKee

Dr. Ann McKee is a Professor of Neurology and Pathology at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), leading the Neuropathology Core. Her work focuses on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. She is a board-certified neurologist and neuropathologist with expertise in tau protein pathology and trauma-induced brain injury. Dr. McKee has contributed to establishing diagnostic criteria for CTE and investigating the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in athletes and military veterans.

• Education: M.D., Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
• Affiliations: Primary Faculty in Biomedical Engineering at BUSM

Her research integrates clinical, neuropathological, and molecular approaches to understand neurodegenerative mechanisms. Key areas include:

• Tau protein dynamics and biomarker development
• CTE’s clinical-neuropathological correlation
• Vascular injury and white matter pathology
• Genetic risk factors (e.g., MAPT haplotypes)

Recent work highlights CTE’s association with behavioral changes and distinct brain regions affected. She collaborates on NIH workshops and serves as a leader in the DIAGNOSE CTE research project. Her studies use advanced imaging (PET, MRI) and postmortem analysis to advance early detection and prevention strategies.