William Jagust

William Jagust is a Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, affiliated with the School of Public Health and the Department of Neuroscience. He leads the Jagust Lab, a joint program with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), focused on brain aging and dementia. His research employs advanced neuroimaging techniques (PET, MRI, fMRI) to study the biological underpinnings of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease. Key projects include the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), POINTER Imaging, and studies on tau and amyloid pathology. The lab investigates how brain activity, genetics (APOE ε4, TREM2), and lifestyle factors influence disease progression. Jagust’s work bridges basic science and clinical applications, contributing to diagnostic criteria and therapeutic trials.

Education details are not explicitly provided, but his academic trajectory is reflected through his leadership roles and publications. Research interests emphasize tau deposition dynamics, cognitive aging trajectories, and biomarker validation. He collaborates across disciplines, integrating neuroscience, radiology, and epidemiology. The lab actively recruits volunteers for studies and maintains partnerships to advance imaging methodologies.

Key scientific contributions include defining tau PET scales, analyzing biomarker interactions, and evaluating modifiable risk factors. While no specific grants or awards are listed here, his extensive publication record and leadership in ADNI highlight his impact. The Jagust Lab also explores synaptic density imaging and dopamine physiology, expanding the understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms.