Exploring genetic links to Alzheimer's disease in Pakistan's consanguineous population
Official title: Leveraging Consanguinity in Pakistan to Uncover the Genomic Architecture of Alzheimer's Disease: Feasibility Study with ENIGMA-PAK
Funded at Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research · NIH-10985324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how genetics might play a role in Alzheimer's disease by working with families in Pakistan where cousins often marry, and it aims to gather information from participants to help find better ways to prevent and treat dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $223,902 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085568-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older from consanguineous families in Pakistan.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of Alzheimer's disease or are not part of consanguineous unions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the genetic factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease by studying families in Pakistan where marriage between relatives is common. The project aims to collect genetic and MRI data from a group of participants to understand how these factors may influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's and related dementias. By focusing on a unique population, the study hopes to uncover new insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for dementia. Participants will be recruited from both urban and peri-urban areas in Pakistan, providing a diverse sample for analysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential new treatments for Alzheimer's disease, particularly in populations with high rates of consanguinity.
How similar studies have gone: While research on consanguinity and Alzheimer's is limited, similar studies in other regions have shown promise in uncovering genetic links to dementia.
Where this research is happening
-
Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
Palo Alto, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Adamson, Maheen Mausoof — Palo Alto Veterans Instit for Research
- Study coordinator: Adamson, Maheen Mausoof
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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.