Genetic risk for Alzheimer's in African and African-American people
Characterizing the Genetic Risk for Alzheimer Disease in African and Admixed African-American Ancestries
This project will sequence genomes and measure blood biomarkers and brain scans to find genetic factors linked to Alzheimer’s in people of African and African-American ancestry.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11385676 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will add whole genome sequencing, plasma Alzheimer's biomarkers, and cardiovascular biomarker data for about 9,000 people of African ancestry (roughly 5,000 African and 4,000 African-American participants). They will also collect MRI brain scans from 200 participants in Nigeria. Many participants who are cognitively unimpaired or have mild cognitive impairment will return for follow-up visits about four years later to track changes. The work builds on a larger Alzheimer's sequencing effort to improve understanding of genetic risk in diverse populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of African or African-American ancestry, including those with normal cognition, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer’s disease, who can provide blood samples, consent to genetic testing, and attend follow-up visits are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without African ancestry or those unable to provide consent, blood samples, or attend required visits are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate genetic risk tests and better-targeted prevention or treatments for African and African-American patients with or at risk for Alzheimer’s.
How similar studies have performed: Large sequencing efforts have previously identified genes like APOE and ABCA7 that affect Alzheimer’s risk, but focused studies in African ancestry groups are relatively new and may reveal different or novel risk patterns.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griswold, Anthony John — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Griswold, Anthony John
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.