Investigating immune cells in Alzheimer's disease among African Americans
Immune Cells in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in the Jackson Heart Study
This study is looking at how changes in the immune system and long-term inflammation might affect the risk of Alzheimer's disease in older African Americans, using blood samples and health information from around 1,440 participants to better understand these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10991006 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how changes in immune system function and chronic inflammation may contribute to the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in older African Americans. By analyzing blood samples from approximately 1,440 participants in the Jackson Heart Study, the researchers will characterize various immune cell types and their gene expressions. They will explore the connections between these immune factors, psychosocial stress, social determinants of health, and indicators of Alzheimer's pathology, including brain imaging and cognitive status. The study aims to provide insights into the mechanisms linking inflammation and dementia risk in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older African American adults who are part of the Jackson Heart Study and may be experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are not of African American descent or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and potential interventions for reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease in African American communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated a link between inflammation and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on African American populations in this context is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raffield, Laura M — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Raffield, Laura M
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 below.