Investigating genetic factors in Alzheimer's disease among South Asians

Harmonized Diagnostic Assessment of Dementia (DAD) for Longitudinal Aging Study of India (LASI)-Genomic study

NIH-funded research University of Southern California · NIH-10836795

This study is looking at how our genes, especially those inherited from ancient relatives like Neanderthals, might affect the risk of Alzheimer's disease and thinking skills in people from South Asia, and it involves 2,700 individuals to help us learn more about how genetics can influence brain health as we get older.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Southern California NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10836795 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores how genetic factors, particularly ancestry from archaic hominins like Neanderthals and Denisovans, influence the risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive abilities in South Asian populations. By analyzing a large dataset of 2,700 individuals from diverse ethnolinguistic backgrounds in India, the study aims to uncover the relationship between genetic variation and cognitive health as people age. Participants will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of how genetics may affect Alzheimer's risk and cognitive phenotypes, potentially leading to better diagnostic tools and interventions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from South Asian backgrounds, particularly those with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have South Asian ancestry or those without cognitive concerns may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of Alzheimer's disease risk in South Asian populations.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored genetic factors in Alzheimer's disease, this research is novel in its focus on South Asian populations and the impact of archaic ancestry.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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 Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
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.