Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease (ACAD) program to study genetics and biomarkers in Asian Americans
Official title: Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease (ACAD)
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11538478 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A national study will enroll thousands of older Asian Americans to study genetic and biomarker clues about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $60,668 |
| NIH project number | 3U19AG079774-04S3 |
| Project ID | NIH-11538478 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 60 years or older of Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese ancestry who are able to participate in long-term follow-up and provide DNA and plasma samples.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without Asian ancestry or those unwilling to provide DNA or blood samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will recruit 5,081 adults aged 60 and older of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese ancestry across the US and Canada, collecting DNA and plasma biomarkers. It uses translated, culturally appropriate questionnaires and standardized clinical protocols to understand how genetics and biomarkers relate to Alzheimer’s disease in Asian populations. DNA and biomarker data will be analyzed to identify risk factors and potential targets for future interventions. The study integrates collaboration with community health providers and long-term care facilities to support recruitment and long-term follow-up.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of genetic and biomarker factors in Asian Americans could lead to earlier detection and more personalized prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: This initiative builds on prior global AD genetics work but focuses on an under-represented Asian American population, with early genetic and biomarker insights demonstrated in similar cohorts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Li-San — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wang, Li-San
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.