Linking genes, blood, and spinal fluid changes to early Alzheimer's risk
Genomic and Metabolomic Data Integration in a Longitudinal Cohort at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at how genes, blood, and spinal fluid change over time to find signs that predict Alzheimer's in people at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11297630 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join long-term studies that collect blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), brain scans, lifestyle questionnaires, and memory tests over many years. Researchers will measure metabolites in plasma and CSF from repeated samples and combine those measurements with genetic data and lifestyle information. They will connect metabolite changes to amyloid, tau, brain loss, and cognitive decline to pinpoint when and why changes occur. Advanced data methods will be used to trace timing and possible causes, with the goal of highlighting early markers and possible prevention or treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged to older adults at increased risk for Alzheimer's—such as participants in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention or the Wisconsin ADRC—who can provide blood, possibly CSF, undergo imaging, and attend follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People without Alzheimer's risk factors, those unwilling to provide biological samples or undergo imaging or lumbar puncture, and individuals with advanced dementia are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could produce blood or CSF markers that detect Alzheimer's earlier and suggest lifestyle or drug targets to prevent or slow the disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cohort studies have found some metabolite and genetic links to Alzheimer's, but the long-term integration of metabolomics with CSF, imaging, and genetics across many years is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Engelman, Corinne D. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Engelman, Corinne D.
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.