Biomarker and biobank program for aging, dementia, and HIV in South Africa
Core C - Biomarker and Biobanking Core
This program collects and stores blood and other health samples to help understand aging, dementia, and HIV among South African adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115822 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to give biological samples (like blood or urine), have basic health measures taken (for example blood pressure and cognitive tests), and possibly undergo imaging or other noninvasive tests over time. Samples and data are stored in a biobank and shared with researchers who run lab tests for biomarkers, genetics, and inflammation. The Core organizes and standardizes sample collection across community and national surveys so researchers can compare results over years. Experts in epidemiology, genomics, bioinformatics, and biostatistics guide the work to link biomarkers with cognitive function, cardiometabolic disease, and HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living in South Africa, especially older adults and people living with HIV, who can provide biological samples and participate in follow-up visits are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People living outside South Africa or those unable or unwilling to give samples or attend follow-up visits would not be able to take part or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to better blood or other tests that spot dementia risk earlier and clarify how HIV and aging affect brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Other population biobanks and biomarker studies have successfully linked inflammation, cardiometabolic health, and infection to cognitive decline, so this builds on proven approaches.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramsay, Michele Michele — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Ramsay, Michele Michele
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.