Alzheimer's progression in sexual minority adults
Disparities of Alzheimer's disease progression in Sexual Minority Individuals
This project looks at how Alzheimer's develops over time in sexual minority adults by analyzing real-world medical records and health data.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261193 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will use large real-world datasets — electronic health records, insurance claims, and clinical research network data — to map how people in sexual minority groups move from normal thinking to mild cognitive impairment and dementia. They will develop computer-based definitions and natural language processing tools to identify sexual minority status and pull out key medical and social information. The researchers will examine clinical, genetic (e.g., APOE), and social determinants of health that might change the pace or pattern of Alzheimer's progression. Results aim to reveal different progression pathways and risk factors that could guide prevention and care for sexual minority patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or another sexual minority and are older or have memory concerns or Alzheimer's risk factors would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Younger people without Alzheimer's risk factors or individuals who do not identify as sexual minorities are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection and more tailored prevention and care for sexual minority people at risk for Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Few prior studies have focused on Alzheimer's in sexual minority groups, so this approach is relatively novel though similar real-world data methods have worked in other patient populations.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Yi — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Guo, Yi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.