Investigating blood markers for early signs of cognitive decline and brain changes
Official title: Blood mitochondrial DNA biomarkers of midlife cognitive decline and adverse brain imaging changes - A longitudinal investigation in the CARDIA population-based cohort study
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11229428 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in tiny pieces of DNA found in your blood might help spot early signs of memory problems and brain changes linked to Alzheimer's disease, so that people can get help sooner.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $751,384 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG069120-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11229428 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are midlife individuals who may be at risk for cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
✕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 identifying blood-based mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) biomarkers that could indicate early signs of cognitive decline and brain changes associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing blood samples from participants in the CARDIA study, the researchers aim to uncover how mutations in mtDNA correlate with cognitive decline and brain imaging changes over time. This approach seeks to provide a non-invasive method for early detection of preclinical Alzheimer's disease, which could lead to timely interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier diagnosis and intervention for individuals at risk of Alzheimer's disease, potentially slowing cognitive decline.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using blood-based biomarkers is gaining traction, this specific investigation into mtDNA mutations as predictors of cognitive decline is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hou, Lifang — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Hou, Lifang
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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.