Clifford R. Jack, Jr.

Dr. Clifford R. Jack Jr. is a Professor of Radiology and Consultant at the Mayo Clinic's Department of Radiology in Rochester, Minnesota. His work focuses on brain imaging research related to cognitive aging, Alzheimer's disease, and neurodegenerative disorders. He leads a lab employing advanced MRI and PET techniques, including diffusion tensor imaging and amyloid PET, to study brain pathology and develop diagnostic algorithms. His research is integrated with the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and NIH-funded longitudinal studies.

Education:

• BS in Zoology (Biology), University of Michigan (1975)
• MD, Wayne State University School of Medicine (1979)
• Residency in Diagnostic Radiology, Henry Ford Hospital (1983)
• Fellowship in Neuroradiology, Mayo Clinic (1984)

Research Interests: Dr. Jack’s team investigates MRI/PET techniques for diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer’s progression, with a focus on biomarkers like amyloid plaques and tau proteins. Their work bridges clinical imaging with epidemiological studies, contributing to diagnostic criteria and therapeutic monitoring guidelines.

Articles: Recent studies highlight advancements in diagnostic criteria, imaging biomarkers, and biomechanical correlates of cognitive decline. These contributions emphasize interdisciplinary approaches to understanding neurodegenerative mechanisms.

Awards:

• 2025: Henry Wisniewski Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2024: Distinguished Alumnus Award (Mayo Clinic)
• 2013: Elected to National Academy of Medicine
• 2012: Gold Medal (ISMRM)

Grants & Collaborations: Principal investigator on NIH-funded projects, including studies on synucleinopathies and diffusion tensor imaging. Collaborates nationally on multisite trials and serves on advisory boards for Alzheimer’s initiatives.

Labs/Teams: Leads Aging and Dementia Imaging Research (ADIR) group at Mayo, contributing to the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).