Identifying biomarkers for early cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease progression
Official title: Potential miRNA biomarkers and miRNA regulatory targets underlying early congnitive impairement and progression to Alzhiemer's disease
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10973322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new blood tests that can help spot early signs of memory problems and track how Alzheimer's disease develops, using tiny molecules called microRNAs to better understand the disease and improve early detection and treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $155,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG088906-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be experiencing early signs of cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients under the age of 65 or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to discover new biomarkers that can indicate early cognitive impairment and the progression to Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a simple blood test. By focusing on microRNAs (miRNAs), which are stable in plasma and can reflect changes in cognitive status, the study seeks to provide insights into the disease's underlying mechanisms. The approach involves using innovative molecular techniques previously successful in cardiovascular research to identify these biomarkers. This could lead to better early detection methods and potential new therapeutic targets for AD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment options for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease, but this approach using miRNAs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karere, Genesio — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Karere, Genesio
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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.