Mindful Diagnostics and Therapeutics, LLC

Recently, the Tdap (tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis) vaccination was added to the list of immunizations associated with lower incidence of dementia. Plasma-based biomarkers for AD are a welcome alternative to expensive and invasive testing for Alzheimer's; these biomarkers include assessment of amyloid and tau and neurofilament light protein that assesses non-specific neurodegeneration. The investigators will test for these biomarkers, as well as some immune parameters, administer Tdap then repeat the blood tests in six months.

BCG vaccination, the most widely used vaccination in the world, is used to reduce risk of tuberculosis infection; it is used for other mycobacterial infections as well, benefiting leprosy and Buruli ulcer. BCG has "heterologous" effects that aids in an array of non-mycobacterial and viral infections as well as bladder cancer. It is the heterologous effect, sometimes called the "off-target" effect that may offer benefit in Alzheimer's disease. Population studies and studies of adults receiving BCG show a lessened risk of Alzheimer's disease. The study will see if BCG vaccination will alter a plasma test for amyloid, a biomarker for cerebral amyloid.