Do common vaccines and infections affect Alzheimer's risk in older adults
Leveraging population-based human data to uncover mechanisms connecting Alzheimer's disease and common infections and facilitate vaccines repurposing for AD prevention
This project looks at whether past infections and routine vaccines in adults 65 and older are linked to changes in Alzheimer's risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158827 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze large population health datasets and medical records from older adults to compare histories of infections and vaccinations with Alzheimer's-related outcomes. They will use advanced statistical approaches that act as a proxy for clinical trials to reduce bias and better mimic random treatment assignment. The work will account for genetic factors like APOE and other health and demographic variables to separate vaccine or infection effects from other risks. The team aims to identify existing vaccines that could be repurposed as candidates for preventing Alzheimer's in older people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 65 or older with accessible medical records or vaccination histories who can be represented in population-based datasets or recruited for follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People under 65, those without reliable medical or vaccination records, or individuals with non-Alzheimer's dementias may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify already-approved vaccines that lower Alzheimer's risk and guide preventative measures for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Prior observational studies have suggested links between some vaccines and lower dementia risk, but this project uses novel pseudo-randomization methods to strengthen causal interpretation.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oukraintseva, Svetlana V. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Oukraintseva, Svetlana V.
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.