How Alzheimer's genes and past trauma relate to early memory problems in veterans
Early Cognitive Impairment as a function of Alzheimer's Disease and Trauma
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM · NIH-11264797
This project looks at whether Alzheimer's-related genes plus combat, PTSD, or head injury are linked to early thinking and memory problems in older U.S. veterans.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11264797 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are using health records and genetic data from the Million Veteran Program to identify cases of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among veterans. They will compare veterans with and without combat exposure, PTSD symptoms, and head injuries and analyze how those exposures interact with Alzheimer's-related genes such as APOE. The team will run genome-wide genetic analyses and gene-by-environment tests to find combinations of genes and experiences that raise dementia risk. Findings will focus on veterans across midlife and older ages to pinpoint who may show earlier signs of cognitive decline.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. veterans enrolled in the VA system—especially those aged 45 and older with a history of combat, PTSD, or head injury who have VA medical records and genetic data.
Not a fit: People who are not veterans, or who do not have VA medical records or genetic samples in the Million Veteran Program, would not be able to participate or directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify veterans at higher risk for early cognitive decline so they can get earlier monitoring, support, or prevention trials.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and variants like APOE to dementia risk, but large-scale genome-wide gene-by-environment analyses in veterans are relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LOGUE, MARK W — VA BOSTON HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
- Study coordinator: LOGUE, MARK W
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.