Genetics of Alzheimer’s in Jewish and Arab communities
Genetic Studies of Alzheimer's Disease in Jewish and Arab Populations
This project searches for genes linked to Alzheimer’s in Jewish and Arab people in Israel to learn about risk and causes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11391534 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to provide a DNA sample and health information so researchers can compare people with and without Alzheimer’s. The team focuses on Jewish groups from the Middle East and North Africa and Israeli Arab communities, using genetic analyses that take ancestry and lifestyle into account. Prior work in these groups helped discover Alzheimer’s genes, and this project builds on that to find variants rare in European populations. Results will be combined with other data to pinpoint genes that affect Alzheimer’s risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults of Jewish (Middle Eastern/North African) or Arab ancestry, with or without Alzheimer’s, who can provide a DNA sample and clinical information are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are not of the targeted Jewish or Arab MENA ancestries or who cannot provide DNA or medical information are unlikely to be included or benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could improve genetic risk information, point to new drug targets, and help develop prevention strategies tailored to these communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic work in these Israeli populations has successfully identified Alzheimer‑linked genes such as ACE and SORL1, so the approach has produced discoveries before.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farrer, Lindsay a. — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Farrer, Lindsay a.
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.