Investigating genetic factors of Alzheimer's disease in Asian populations.
Official title: Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease (ACAD)
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10878671 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for Asian Americans aged 60 and older, especially those of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese backgrounds, to help us learn more about the genetic factors that might increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease by collecting DNA and blood samples from over 5,000 participants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $8,040,921 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AG079774-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878671 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 60 and older of Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese descent living in the US or Canada.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the specified Asian ancestry groups or are younger than 60 years may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create the first large-scale genetic cohort for Alzheimer's disease (AD) among Asian Americans, specifically targeting individuals aged 60 and older of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese ancestry. By recruiting over 5,000 participants from metropolitan areas in the US and Canada, the study will collect DNA and plasma biomarkers to better understand the genetic risk factors associated with AD in these underrepresented populations. The research team includes scientists, clinicians, and community partners who will utilize validated data collection methods to ensure accurate and culturally sensitive engagement with participants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of Alzheimer's disease risk factors in Asian populations, potentially informing better prevention and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been significant research on Alzheimer's disease in European populations, this study represents a novel approach focusing specifically on Asian Americans, which has been underexplored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Li-San — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wang, Li-San
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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.