Genetics of Alzheimer’s in Asian American and Canadian communities
Project 1: Genetic Analysis
This project looks for genes and blood markers that affect Alzheimer's risk in people of Asian descent living in the US and Canada.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160754 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join the Asian Cohort for Alzheimer’s Disease (ACAD), where researchers collect blood and genetic samples to search for gene changes and plasma biomarkers linked to Alzheimer's. The team will perform genome-wide analyses and compare results with existing East Asian and multi-ethnic datasets through the Alzheimer Disease Genetic Consortium. Their goals include finding risk and protective variants and developing polygenic risk scores that are accurate for Asian populations. Results may point to new prevention approaches, better risk prediction, or future targets for treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults of Asian descent living in the United States or Canada, with or without Alzheimer's symptoms, who can provide a blood sample and consent to genetic analysis.
Not a fit: People who are not of Asian descent or those looking for an immediate treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this genetics-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve risk prediction and lead to prevention strategies or treatments better tailored for people of Asian ancestry.
How similar studies have performed: Large genetic studies have found Alzheimer’s risk genes in European and some East Asian groups, so the methods are proven, but large-scale genetic work in Asian Americans and Canadians is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jun, Gyungah — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Jun, Gyungah
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.