Korean Brain Aging: early detection and genetics of Alzheimer's
KBASE2: Korean Brain Aging Study, Longitudinal Endophenotypes and Systems Biology
This project looks for early brain changes and genetic clues of Alzheimer's disease in Korean adults from young adults through dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11377752 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You'll be followed over time with memory tests, brain scans (MRI and PET), and blood or saliva samples for genetic testing. The team will sequence whole genomes from over 1,000 Korean participants and link genetic data with imaging, cognitive testing, and lifestyle information. Researchers will compare these findings with international datasets to find patterns that predict Alzheimer's risk and progression. Participation typically involves clinic visits, scans, and giving biological samples and health information.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are Korean adults (roughly ages 20–90), including people with normal memory, mild cognitive impairment, or Alzheimer's dementia who can attend clinic visits and provide samples.
Not a fit: People who do not identify as Korean or cannot travel to participating sites in Korea, or those with acute medical issues that prevent standard testing, are unlikely to benefit directly from joining.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal earlier and more accurate biomarkers and genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's in Korean people, helping improve prediction and guide future treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Similar projects like ADNI have successfully identified imaging and fluid biomarkers for Alzheimer's, though large-scale whole-genome sequencing in Korean cohorts is a newer effort.
Where this research is happening
Indianapolis, United States
- Indiana University Indianapolis — Indianapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saykin, Andrew J — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Saykin, Andrew J
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.