Blood epigenetic markers that may signal dementia risk in Veterans
The epigenetics of dementia risk in the Million Veteran Program
Researchers will look for patterns in blood DNA that could help detect or predict Alzheimer's and related dementias in older U.S. Veterans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11118694 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses blood DNA methylation data and health records from the VA Million Veteran Program to compare people with and without Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Researchers will examine cross-sectional differences in methylation and run retrospective survival analyses to find markers that predict time to dementia diagnosis over 10+ years. The team aims to identify specific methylation sites that could be developed into low-cost, minimally invasive blood tests for diagnosis, prognosis, or disease monitoring. Work is led from VA Boston using samples and data already collected from enrolled Veterans.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older U.S. Veterans (especially those 65 and older) enrolled in the Million Veteran Program or with available blood and medical record data relating to ADRD.
Not a fit: People under 65, non-Veterans, or individuals without blood samples or linked health data in the MVP are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could enable a simple blood-based test to help detect or predict Alzheimer's and related dementias earlier and less invasively.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have found promising links between blood methylation patterns and dementia risk, but blood-based methylation tests remain experimental and are not yet standard clinical tools.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- VA Boston Health Care System — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Mark W — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Miller, Mark W
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.