Finding genes that protect long-lived families from Alzheimer's
Core D Analysis Methods
This project looks for rare family-based genetic changes that help some families keep strong thinking and memory as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11096295 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are analyzing data from the Long Life Family Study, which tracked nearly 5,000 people across hundreds of families in the U.S. and Denmark to measure healthy aging over time. They combine family trees, repeated cognitive testing, and whole genome sequencing to find rare genetic variants that run in specific families and seem linked to preserved thinking and lower Alzheimer's risk. The team also includes grandchildren in analyses to see whether protection passes across generations. The work focuses on pinpointing protective genes and patterns that could explain why some families remain cognitively resilient despite aging.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people from LLFS families or other families with exceptional longevity and preserved cognition who can share health records, family history, or DNA samples with the research team.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate therapies for current Alzheimer's symptoms are unlikely to benefit directly because this work is genetic discovery rather than a treatment trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify genetic factors that protect against Alzheimer's and point to new prevention or treatment approaches in the future.
How similar studies have performed: Family-based genetic studies have previously found protective variants and useful leads, but searching for rare, pedigree-specific protective genes remains an emerging approach with both precedents and novel opportunities.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sebastiani, Paola — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Sebastiani, Paola
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.