Investigating how environmental factors affect Alzheimer's disease risk in different racial groups.
Official title: Environmental Exposome as a Driver of Race/Ethnicity Differences in Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10985843 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things in our environment might affect the chances of getting Alzheimer's disease, especially for African Americans, non-Hispanic whites, and Mexican Americans, by checking blood samples from 3,000 people to find out what factors could increase the risk and help create ways to protect those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,205,827 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG085279-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10985843 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include African American, non-Hispanic white, and Mexican American individuals who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to the studied racial or ethnic groups or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how environmental exposures contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, particularly among African Americans, non-Hispanic whites, and Mexican Americans. By analyzing blood samples from 3,000 participants in an ongoing study, the researchers aim to identify specific environmental factors that may increase the likelihood of Alzheimer's. The findings could lead to targeted strategies to reduce these exposures in at-risk populations, ultimately aiming to lower their risk of developing the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help identify and mitigate environmental risks for Alzheimer's disease, potentially reducing its incidence in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of environmental factors on health disparities, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: German, Dwight C. — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: German, Dwight C.
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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.