Investigating how metal exposure affects Alzheimer's Disease across different ages and populations
Official title: Child and adult Metal exposures, gene expression and neuropathologically confirmed Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-10901032 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to certain metals when you're young might affect your risk of developing Alzheimer's and other types of dementia later in life, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how early life experiences can shape brain health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,125,325 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG083897-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10901032 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 65 years of age who have been exposed to metals during their early childhood and later life.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or have not been exposed to metals during their early life may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the relationship between metal exposure during early childhood and later life, and its impact on Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias. By analyzing brain tissue and gene expression from a diverse group of individuals, the study aims to understand how early metal exposure may influence the effects of later exposure. The research will involve collecting samples from decedents in Brazil, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the population's health and genetic factors. The study also seeks to differentiate findings based on race and sex to provide more tailored insights.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the effects of metal exposure on cognitive function, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Weisskopf, Marc G — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Weisskopf, Marc G
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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.