Biological clock markers for memory loss and brain aging
Official title: Epigenetic Aging Biomarkers of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, and Brain Aging
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11137731 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $381,011 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG074345-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137731 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shadyab, Aladdin — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Shadyab, Aladdin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating biological markers of aging related to cognitive decline and dementia
This study is looking at how the aging of our genes might affect memory and thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's, hoping to find ways to spot problems early and help improve brain health.
-
Cataract Surgery and its Possible Impact on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias
This project explores whether fixing vision through cataract surgery could influence the progression and onset of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
How everyday relationships affect memory and dementia risk in diverse twins
A long-term study in ethnically diverse twins explores how everyday social experiences, like loneliness or warmth from others, relate to mild cognitive impairment and the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
-
How spinal fluid clears waste in mild memory problems and Alzheimer's
This project looks at how cerebrospinal fluid moves and clears waste in people with mild cognitive problems and Alzheimer's disease to find noninvasive signs of impaired clearance.
-
Brief anxiety treatment for people with early Alzheimer's or mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers
A short, focused therapy to help people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's and their caregivers feel less anxious.
-
Understanding how difficult social experiences affect memory and dementia risk in diverse twins
This project looks at how challenging social experiences might influence memory problems and the risk for Alzheimer's and related dementias in a diverse group of twins.
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.