Gene-environment factors shaping Alzheimer's risk across life (twin study)
Official title: Gene-environment Interplay Among Modifiable Factors for AD/ADRD: Risk and Resilience Across the Lifespan
Funded at University of Colorado · NIH-11543311 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how modifiable lifestyle and environmental factors, viewed through twin data, influence the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across different stages of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boulder, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $72,547 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG089666-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11543311 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for age-related cognitive decline or with a family history of AD/ADRD, across various ages.
✕Less likely to help
People without progression toward AD/ADRD or without access to longitudinal datasets may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will use twin data from IGEMS plus four more samples to identify which modifiable factors most influence AD/ADRD risk and when they have the biggest impact. They will apply twin models to separate genetic and environmental influences and examine gene-environment interplay, using polygenic scores for AD and related traits. The study will draw on data from several countries and create comprehensive risk profiles across development to inform prevention and potential interventions. The work is designed to clarify mechanisms and timing so future strategies can aim at reducing risk and boosting resilience.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide personalized prevention strategies and public health policies to lower AD/ADRD risk.
How similar studies have gone: Previous twin and polygenic studies have shown that both genetics and environment contribute to dementia risk, but this project aims to untangle their timing and interplay in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado
Boulder, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reynolds, Chandra a — University of Colorado
- Study coordinator: Reynolds, Chandra a
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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.