Early-onset Alzheimer's and related dementias: causes and risk factors
Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias: A Population-Based Approach to Identify Characteristics and Risk Factors
This project uses health data from large international cohorts to learn which midlife factors raise or lower the chance of getting Alzheimer's or related dementias before age 65.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We combine information from five large, long-running population studies (ARIC, MESA, Framingham Heart Study, Whitehall II, and UK Biobank) to better count how often dementia begins before age 65. Using existing medical records, test results, and lifestyle surveys, we will examine whether heart health, alcohol use, and other behaviors in midlife are linked to early-onset dementia. The team will also look at whether people with genetic risk can delay symptoms by keeping a healthier midlife profile. Because the work pools and analyzes already-collected human data across cohorts, it does not enroll new clinical treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults included in the participating cohorts—particularly people followed from midlife who either developed dementia before age 65 or remained dementia-free into later life.
Not a fit: People under 21, individuals not enrolled in the listed cohort studies, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify modifiable midlife factors that help lower the risk or delay the start of early-onset Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Pooled cohort analyses have clarified risk factors for later-onset dementia, but prospectively combining multiple cohorts specifically to study early-onset dementia is relatively new and less tested.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sedaghat, Sanaz — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Sedaghat, Sanaz
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.