Genetics and Cognitive Function in Mexican Teachers Cohort
Official title: Mexican Teachers Cohort Study: Genetics and Cognitive Function
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11403857 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study will add genetic and brain-health data from Mexican teachers to enhance understanding of how genes influence memory and thinking as people age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,780,537 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AG084547-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11403857 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals who are or will be part of the Mexican Teachers Cohort or similar diverse populations with available genetic and cognitive data relevant to aging.
✕Less likely to help
Participants outside the Hispanic/Latino or Mexican-descendant populations may see fewer direct benefits from the findings.
What this research studies
This project will merge nearly 20,000 GWAS results and 5,000 whole genome sequences from the Mexican Teachers Cohort with existing Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project data to uncover genetic factors linked to cognitive function. It focuses on diverse Hispanic populations to improve dementia research and ensure findings apply across groups that experience earlier dementia onset. The study builds on a long-running cohort of female teachers across multiple states in Mexico, leveraging established follow-up and health data. By combining genetic data with cognitive assessments, researchers aim to identify new genetic drivers of cognitive aging and ADRD risk. The work is designed to advance precision understanding of dementia in Mexican-Americans and related populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding of who is at risk for dementia and inform personalized prevention strategies for diverse communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous large-scale genetic studies of ADRD have identified risk factors, and adding diverse populations is expected to broaden and strengthen these insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grodstein, Francine — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Grodstein, Francine
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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.