Genetic risk scores for Alzheimer’s in U.S. adults
Genotyping the Understanding America Study to generate novel opportunities for research on cognitive functioning and dementia
This project will build genetic risk scores from adults' DNA to help researchers understand who may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11090510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers would collect a DNA sample (usually a mail-in saliva kit) and link your genetic data to the surveys, wearable data, and records already in the Understanding America Study. They will create polygenic scores, which combine many small genetic effects across the genome, and compare those scores to memory, thinking, and daily-function reports over time. The project uses a large, nationally representative panel of adults that is expected to grow to at least 20,000 people, allowing researchers to look at social, medical, and lifestyle factors that might change genetic risk. Data collection is mostly remote and can be done on short notice to capture events or new information as they happen.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are U.S. adults aged 21 and older who are willing to provide a DNA sample and share survey and device data, especially those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or expecting direct clinical care from joining this project are unlikely to receive personal medical benefit from the research itself.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify people at higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's and point to ways to prevent or delay symptoms through targeted research and interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows polygenic scores can modestly predict Alzheimer's risk, but applying them at this large, population level and linking them to social and real‑world data is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galama, Titus Johannes — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Galama, Titus Johannes
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.