How sickle cell trait affects brain health and cognitive function in older adults
Official title: Interaction of sickle cell trait with human apolipoprotein E ε4: Impact on brain structure, brain lipidomics, neuroinflammation and cognitive deficit
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10993275 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how having sickle cell trait might affect brain health, especially in older African Americans, by exploring its connection with a gene linked to Alzheimer's disease, and it involves brain scans and memory tests to better understand these effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $445,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089843-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993275 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above, particularly those of African ancestry who carry the sickle cell trait.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell trait or are under the age of 65 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between sickle cell trait and brain health, particularly focusing on how it interacts with a specific gene variant (apolipoprotein E ε4) that is linked to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The study aims to understand how these factors influence brain structure, lipid composition, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits in older adults, especially within the African American population. By analyzing brain imaging and lipid profiles, the research seeks to uncover potential biological mechanisms that contribute to cognitive decline. Participants may undergo assessments that include brain scans and cognitive tests to gather data on these interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and targeted interventions for cognitive decline in older adults with sickle cell trait.
How similar studies have gone: While the interaction of sickle cell trait and cognitive decline is a relatively novel area of investigation, previous studies have shown that genetic factors can significantly influence dementia risk, suggesting potential for impactful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hyacinth, Hyacinth Idu — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Hyacinth, Hyacinth Idu
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.