Identifying DNA markers to predict Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline
Official title: New DNA methylation biomarkers for predicting AD and cognitive decline
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11059162 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to use DNA markers to help predict who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease and memory problems, so if you join, you could help create tools that make it easier to spot those at risk and find better ways to prevent dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $746,561 |
| NIH project number | 5R61NS135587-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11059162 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or those experiencing early signs of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established Alzheimer's disease or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new DNA methylation biomarkers that can help predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive decline. By analyzing large clinical datasets, the researchers aim to create models that can accurately identify individuals at risk for AD in a non-invasive and cost-effective manner. The study will also explore how cognitive reserve influences these biomarkers, potentially leading to personalized treatment strategies and lifestyle interventions for dementia prevention. Patients participating in this research may contribute to the creation of tools that enhance our understanding of AD and improve clinical trial selection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, enabling timely interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using DNA methylation markers for predicting various health conditions, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for Alzheimer's disease as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Lily — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Wang, Lily
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
-
Optimizing a closed-loop digital meditation to help cognitive aging and stress in older adults
A mobile, personalized meditation program is being tested to help older adults maintain thinking skills and lower stress.
-
Cash transfers in South Africa to reduce dementia risk in later life
This project tests whether government cash transfers in rural South Africa help protect people’s thinking and memory as they age.
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.