How APOE4 affects Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women
Official title: Impact of APOE4 on gender-specific mechanism for Alzheimer's disease
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11053937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the APOE4 gene affects Alzheimer's disease differently in men and women, especially after menopause, to help find better treatments for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $564,530 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG087190-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053937 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include postmenopausal women and men who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not carry the APOE4 gene or are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the APOE4 gene in Alzheimer's disease (AD), focusing on how it affects men and women differently. It aims to understand the mechanisms behind the increased prevalence of AD in women, particularly after menopause, and how hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) may contribute to this risk. By studying the interactions between APOE4 and FSH, the research seeks to uncover potential pathways for developing targeted therapies for Alzheimer's. Patients may be involved in studies that explore these gender-specific biological factors and their implications for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, gender-specific treatments for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding gender differences in Alzheimer's disease, but this specific approach focusing on APOE4 and FSH is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Seong Su — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Kang, Seong Su
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.