NIH-funded research R01 grant

Investigating biological markers of aging related to cognitive decline and dementia

Official title: Epigenetic Aging Biomarkers of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias, and Brain Aging

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10891757 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how the aging of our genes might affect memory and thinking skills in people with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's, hoping to find ways to spot problems early and help improve brain health.

More s Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2021
Project endJuly 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$703,058
NIH project number4R01AG074345-02
Project IDNIH-10891757 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates include individuals experiencing mild cognitive impairment or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly within racially and ethnically diverse populations.

Less likely to help

Patients without any cognitive impairment or those not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores how biological aging, indicated by epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), relates to cognitive decline and conditions like mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease. By analyzing data from a large, diverse group of participants over 25 years, the study aims to identify connections between EAA and cognitive health. The research utilizes advanced techniques such as genome-wide genotyping and neuroimaging to gather comprehensive information about brain health and aging. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to early detection and intervention strategies for cognitive decline.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of cognitive decline and dementia.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in linking biological aging markers to cognitive health, indicating potential for success in this area.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Shadyab, Aladdin — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Shadyab, Aladdin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.