Measuring brain and blood markers of dementia in middle-aged autistic adults
Official title: Quantification of the neurocognitive, brain, and blood markers of dementia in middle-aged autistic adults
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11093338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how early signs of dementia show up in autistic adults between 40 and 65 years old by checking their memory, thinking skills, and brain scans, with the goal of finding better ways to diagnose and treat dementia for people with autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $670,081 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086493-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged adults aged 40-65 who have a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the age range of 40-65 or those without a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early signs of dementia in autistic adults aged 40-65 by analyzing neurocognitive performance, brain imaging, and blood biomarkers. The study aims to identify specific changes in memory and executive function, as well as the presence of amyloid proteins in the brain and blood that may indicate the onset of dementia. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and biomarker analysis, the research seeks to provide a clearer understanding of how dementia manifests in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. This could lead to more tailored diagnostic and treatment approaches for this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better management of dementia in autistic adults, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there is emerging evidence regarding dementia in autistic adults, this research approach is relatively novel and aims to fill significant gaps in understanding.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Zheng — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Wang, Zheng
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating how DNA damage and repair mechanisms are altered in ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
This study is looking at how problems with DNA repair might contribute to conditions like ALS and frontotemporal dementia, and it’s testing ways to fix these issues in cells from patients to help develop new treatments.
-
Synthetic protein mimetics to treat Lewy Body Dementia
A new therapeutic approach using engineered protein-like molecules to block the harmful protein clumps that cause Lewy Body Dementia.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a US survey for use in many countries
A study is adapting and testing a survey for dementia care workers in the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why workers stay in their jobs and how to improve care.
-
Dementia care staff study: adapting a survey for use in many countries
A multinational study will adapt and test a U.S. dementia-care worker survey in Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana to help understand why staff stay in or leave long-term care settings.
-
Study of Dementia Care Staff in 4 Countries: Adapting Caregiver Surveys Across Cultures
A multinational project will adapt and test a dementia care worker survey so researchers can compare care environments across the US, Brazil, Switzerland, and Ghana.
-
New biomarkers to distinguish LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in dementia
A study to develop blood and CSF tests that can tell apart LATE from Alzheimer’s disease in people with dementia.
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.