Genetic causes of age-related TDP-43 changes and mixed dementia
Genetic Architecture of Aging-Related TDP-43 and Mixed Pathology Dementia
This project looks for gene differences that help explain why older adults develop TDP-43–related and mixed dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11504348 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will combine genetic data, clinical records, and brain autopsy findings from older adults to understand patterns of TDP-43 and co-existing brain pathologies. They will create data-driven ways to label “pure” versus “mixed” forms of disease and map how pathology progresses. New statistical tools and an analysis pipeline will be used to find genetic risk and protective factors linked to clinical outcomes. The goal is to explain why some people decline rapidly while others have milder symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults in memory-disorder or brain-donation cohorts, people with amnestic dementia, or families willing to contribute clinical records and brain tissue to research.
Not a fit: People whose dementia is unrelated to TDP-43 or who have rare early-onset familial Alzheimer’s disease may not see direct benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve diagnosis, identify people at higher risk, and point to new targets for treatments tailored to TDP-43 and mixed dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic and autopsy studies have found some risk genes for LATE and related pathologies, but comprehensive pipelines for mixed-pathology genetics remain relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fardo, David William — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Fardo, David William
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.