Investigating Alzheimer's disease risk factors in older Black individuals living with HIV

A multidisciplinary study of Alzheimer's disease risk factors in Blacks/African Americans living with HIV

NIH-funded research Georgetown University · NIH-11170845

This study is looking at how a specific gene linked to Alzheimer's disease affects brain health in older Black people living with HIV, and it aims to better understand the unique challenges they face over the next five years.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgetown University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-11170845 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, particularly the APOE ε4 gene, affect brain function in older Black individuals who are living with HIV. The study will involve a combination of cross-sectional, longitudinal, and observational methods to gather data on this underrepresented population. By examining the intersection of HIV and Alzheimer's disease risk, the research aims to shed light on the unique challenges faced by this demographic, which has been largely overlooked in previous studies. Participants will undergo assessments to evaluate cognitive function and other health indicators over a five-year period.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older Black individuals aged 55 and above who are living with HIV.

Not a fit: Patients who are not Black or African American or who do not have HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and targeted interventions for Alzheimer's disease in older Black individuals living with HIV.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on Alzheimer's disease and HIV separately, this specific focus on older Black individuals living with HIV is relatively novel and has not been extensively studied.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.