Atlas of brain cells in Alzheimer’s and related dementias
Official title: Organization and architecture of a consortium for cellular resolution analysis of Alzheimer's disease and comorbid dementias.
Funded at Allen Institute · NIH-11416718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large research effort is creating a detailed map of brain cells and molecules affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias to help scientists understand and eventually treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Allen Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $763,154 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG060909-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who may contribute brain samples or participate in donor recruitment efforts.
✕Less likely to help
This project does not involve enrolling patients in a clinical protocol; it focuses on data/resource generation.
What this research studies
This NIH-supported program brings together multiple sites to build a comprehensive cellular and molecular atlas of Alzheimer’s disease and comorbid dementias. It combines single-cell and spatial genomics with quantitative pathology and creates an online, shareable resource for researchers. The Administrative Core coordinates collaboration, governance, budgets, and progress across projects to keep the effort focused on producing an accessible brain cell atlas. The work is anchored at the Allen Institute and University of Washington, with participation from ten member institutions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients and clinicians may benefit from a richer understanding of disease mechanisms and new targets for therapies through the atlas and shared data resources.
How similar studies have gone: Previous brain atlases and multi-site consortia have produced valuable resources; SEA-AD aims to extend this with disease-specific detail and community access.
Where this research is happening
-
Allen Institute
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lein, Ed — Allen Institute
- Study coordinator: Lein, Ed
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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.