Improving early Alzheimer's detection in Black midlife adults
African Americans Fighting Alzheimer’s in Midlife (AA-FAIM)
This project uses blood tests, brain scans, and memory checks to look for early signs of Alzheimer's in Black adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11242010 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a cohort of about 400 Black adults and provide blood samples, undergo cognitive testing, and have brain imaging so researchers can track changes over time. The team will compare blood amyloid levels with PET scan results and use models to estimate when amyloid began accumulating. They will also collect information about vascular health and psychosocial factors to see how these influence cognitive decline. The project includes efforts to improve recruitment and retention of Black participants so findings better reflect this community.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Black adults aged 21 and older, especially those in midlife or worried about memory, who are willing to give blood, do cognitive tests, and attend imaging visits.
Not a fit: People who are not Black, those with advanced dementia, or anyone seeking immediate clinical treatment rather than participating in research are unlikely to gain direct benefit from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier and more accurate detection of Alzheimer's in Black adults and help make research and future care more equitable.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows blood amyloid measures and PET scans can detect amyloid, but few studies have validated these approaches specifically in Black cohorts, so this project fills a known gap.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gleason, Carey E — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Gleason, Carey E
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.