How biology and activity may affect Alzheimer's risk in Black women
Understanding Biological and Lifestyle Contributions to Alzheimer's Disease Pathology and Clinical Profiles in Black Women: Defining Prevention Targets in High Risk Groups
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11238994
This project looks at whether inflammation, insulin resistance, and physical activity relate to brain changes and memory in older Black women at risk for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11238994 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would join a project focused on older Black women at risk for Alzheimer's to see how inflammation, insulin resistance, and physical activity relate to brain changes and thinking over time. The team will collect blood samples for markers (like TNF-α and phosphorylated tau), measure insulin resistance, and may use brain biomarkers or imaging. Participants will also wear activity trackers and complete memory and thinking tests during follow-up visits. The aim is to find changeable targets that could lead to prevention steps tailored for Black women.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older Black women at increased risk for Alzheimer's disease (for example, middle-aged or older adults with family history or metabolic risk factors) are the intended participants.
Not a fit: Men, people of other races, or individuals without Alzheimer's risk factors may not directly benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways—such as reducing inflammation or increasing physical activity—to lower tau buildup and slow memory decline in Black women at risk for Alzheimer's.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior research links inflammation and physical activity to Alzheimer's markers, but studies focused specifically on Black women are uncommon, so this project is relatively novel for that group.
Where this research is happening
LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO — LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BANKS, SARAH — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- Study coordinator: BANKS, SARAH
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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia