Investigating how biological aging affects brain health and Alzheimer's risk

Proteomic aging clock and brain structure, cognitive decline and the risk of Alzheimers Disease and related dementias

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10524658

This study is looking at how certain proteins in your blood can help us understand aging and predict the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias, using samples collected over 20 years from a diverse group of people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10524658 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop and validate proteomic aging clocks (PACs) to assess biological aging in individuals before they are clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias. By analyzing blood samples collected over 20 years from participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in the Community (ARIC) cohort, the study will explore how these PACs can predict cognitive decline and brain structural changes. The research will also examine the relationship between aging biomarkers and the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias, considering factors such as sex and race.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are currently free of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early identification of individuals at risk for Alzheimer's Disease, allowing for timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using biological markers to predict cognitive decline, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.