Collecting blood and tissue samples to understand dementia in Native and Pacific Islander communities
Biospecimen Core
This project will gather biological samples from American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander adults to learn more about genetic and biological links to Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173682 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide biospecimens such as blood (and possibly saliva or other samples) and basic health information so researchers can study genetic markers and biomarkers linked to dementia. The core aims to build culturally respectful collection and storage practices by partnering with community leaders and stakeholders. The effort focuses on groups that have been understudied, including Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander peoples, to fill gaps in existing genetic and biomarker databases. Collected samples will be stored and made available to approved researchers working on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who identify as American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander—especially those willing to provide biological samples and health information—are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People who are not from the targeted Indigenous or Pacific Islander communities or who cannot provide consent or biospecimens are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this core.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal population-specific genetic and biomarker patterns that improve risk prediction, diagnosis, and future prevention strategies for Indigenous and Pacific Islander people.
How similar studies have performed: Large biospecimen collections in these communities are rare, so the approach is relatively novel though smaller studies have suggested population-specific genetic differences such as variable APOE effects.
Where this research is happening
Pullman, United States
- Washington State University — Pullman, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kauwe, John Sai Keong — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Kauwe, John Sai Keong
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.