Genes linked to early thinking and memory decline before dementia
Large-Scale Genomic Analysis of Aging-Related Cognitive Change Prior to Dementia Onset
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN · NIH-11128831
Researchers are looking at people's genes to find changes tied to earlier declines in memory and thinking before Alzheimer's develops.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (AUSTIN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11128831 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will analyze genetic data together with long-term memory and thinking test results from many adults to find patterns tied to faster cognitive decline years before dementia appears. They will use repeated cognitive measurements over time rather than single checkups and apply large-scale genome-wide analyses to search for risk variants beyond the well-known APOE gene. The team will use statistical methods to account for differences in people's peak thinking ability so declines aren't missed in those who started at a higher level. The work draws on large datasets from multiple cohorts to identify biological pathways that could be targeted for earlier prevention.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults who can provide genetic samples and have (or can provide access to) repeated cognitive test results over time, especially older adults or those with a family history of Alzheimer's.
Not a fit: People without genetic data or long-term cognitive testing, or whose memory problems are caused by non-Alzheimer conditions, may not see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help identify people at higher risk earlier and point to new biological targets to prevent or slow Alzheimer's and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic studies have reliably linked APOE and several other loci to Alzheimer's risk, but large-scale GWAS focused on long-term cognitive decline before diagnosis is a newer approach with limited prior results.
Where this research is happening
AUSTIN, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN — AUSTIN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TUCKER-DROB, ELLIOT MAX — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN
- Study coordinator: TUCKER-DROB, ELLIOT MAX
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia