Investigating blood-based markers for Alzheimer's disease risk in veterans
The epigenetics of dementia risk in the Million Veteran Program
This study is looking at how changes in your blood's DNA can help us figure out if older veterans might be at risk for Alzheimer's and related memory issues, with the hope of creating easy blood tests to catch these problems early and keep track of them better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Boston Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10918836 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how changes in DNA methylation in the blood can indicate the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among veterans aged 65 and older. By analyzing data from the Million Veteran Program, the study aims to identify specific DNA markers that could lead to the development of simple blood tests for diagnosing and monitoring ADRD. The approach is less invasive and more cost-effective compared to current diagnostic methods, which often involve expensive imaging techniques. Ultimately, the goal is to improve early detection and treatment tracking for those at risk or diagnosed with ADRD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older, particularly those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without a risk of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of affordable and non-invasive blood tests for early detection of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer's diagnosis, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- VA Boston Health Care System — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Mark W — VA Boston Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Miller, Mark W
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.