Genomic clues for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease beyond known genes
Official title: Dissecting the Genomic Etiology of non-Mendelian Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease and Related Phenotypes
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11515235 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study will look for new genetic factors behind early-onset Alzheimer’s disease in people without the common APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $519,952 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG064614-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11515235 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease (age of onset <= 65) who do not carry APP, PSEN1, or PSEN2 mutations, including NHW and Caribbean Hispanic participants and their families.
✕Less likely to help
Participants with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease or those with known EOAD mutations may not directly benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project will collect and harmonize genetic data from people with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease who do not have the well-known mutations. Researchers will perform whole-genome sequencing on thousands of individuals and families to uncover variants that contribute to the disease. The goal is to map new molecular pathways and potential therapeutic targets that are not explained by existing genetics. Results could guide future diagnostic and treatment efforts for patients and families affected by EOAD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: New genetic findings could lead to earlier diagnosis and novel treatments for early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies suggest EOAD has genetic factors beyond the known genes, but larger-scale sequencing is needed to identify consistent variants.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beecham, Gary Wayne — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Beecham, Gary Wayne
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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.