How metals and genetics affect brain aging and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: The impact of metals and polygenic risk on multiomics, brain aging, and ADRD outcomes
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10954519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how exposure to harmful metals like lead and arsenic, along with our genes, might affect brain aging and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, using mice that reflect human genetic differences, and it hopes to find simple ways to check for brain changes through blood tests to help improve prevention and treatment for Alzheimer's.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,474,042 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG088407-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those with exposure to toxic metals.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any risk factors for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to toxic metals like lead, cadmium, and arsenic, along with genetic factors, influence brain aging and the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Using genetically diverse mouse models that better represent human genetic variability, the study aims to uncover the molecular and behavioral changes linked to these exposures. The research will also explore whether biomarkers in easily accessible tissues, such as blood, can indicate changes in the brain associated with these toxicants. By addressing significant gaps in our understanding of these relationships, the study seeks to inform prevention and treatment strategies for Alzheimer's disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, potentially guiding prevention and treatment efforts.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of environmental toxins on cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Colacino, Justin Adam — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Colacino, Justin Adam
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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.