Biological clock markers for memory loss and brain aging
Epigenetic Aging Biomarkers of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, and Brain Aging
This project looks at whether epigenetic “biological age” measured in blood can signal future memory decline, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's disease in older women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137731 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of research using decades of follow-up from the Women’s Health Initiative Memory Study where researchers measure epigenetic age from blood and link it to memory tests, brain scans, and clinical diagnoses. The team will analyze a nested group of about 2,836 participants, including over 1,300 who developed MCI or dementia, to see if faster epigenetic aging relates to worse cognition and brain shrinkage. The work combines stored blood samples, genome-wide data, repeated cognitive testing, and longitudinal neuroimaging collected over 25 years. Results will reflect a racially and ethnically diverse group of older women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older, postmenopausal women—especially those already enrolled in the Women’s Health Initiative or who have concerns about memory—since the project centers on this group.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment, younger adults, men, or individuals not connected to WHIMS are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this observational biomarker research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify people at higher risk earlier so doctors can focus monitoring or preventive steps.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier studies have linked epigenetic age acceleration to lower memory and smaller brain volumes, but applying these markers to diagnosed MCI and dementia is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- University of California, San Diego — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shadyab, Aladdin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Shadyab, Aladdin
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.