Blood Tests and Genetics for Alzheimer's Disease in Diverse Populations

Epidemiological and Genetic Investigations of Blood-Based Biomarkers for Alzheimer's Disease in the Multiethnic, Washington Heights, Inwood, Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP)

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11075278

This project explores how new blood tests and brain scans can help us better understand Alzheimer's disease in diverse communities.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11075278 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to use new blood tests for Alzheimer's disease, including markers like Aβ40, Aβ42, and p-tau217, alongside brain MRI scans. The goal is to see if these blood tests can provide similar information to more invasive or expensive methods like spinal fluid tests or specialized brain imaging. By studying a diverse group of people, particularly African American individuals, the project seeks to create a clearer picture of how Alzheimer's develops. This approach could lead to easier and more accessible ways to identify Alzheimer's disease earlier and uncover genetic factors that might increase risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be individuals from diverse racial and ethnic groups, particularly those participating in or similar to the Washington Heights, Inwood, Columbia Aging Project (WHICAP), who are interested in Alzheimer's disease research.

Not a fit: Patients not interested in contributing to observational research or those outside the specific demographic focus of the WHICAP cohort may not directly benefit from participation in this specific project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to simpler, less invasive blood tests for Alzheimer's disease that are effective across different racial and ethnic backgrounds.

How similar studies have performed: While the 'A/T/N' classification scheme for Alzheimer's is well-established using other methods, applying new blood-based biomarkers in diverse community settings is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.