Mexican Teachers Cohort Study: Genetics and Cognitive Function
Funded at Rush University Medical Center · NIH-11595537 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large study using genetic data from Mexican teachers to discover genetic factors linked to memory and thinking in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,678,461 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AG084547-03S2 |
| Project ID | NIH-11595537 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults, particularly Mexican-Americans or Hispanics, who may be enrolled or who have family members in the Mexican Teachers Cohort or similar cohorts.
✕Less likely to help
People without a direct connection to the cohorts or those not contributing data may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project will add thousands of genetic sequences and research data from the Mexican Teachers Cohort to a major dementia study to find genetic clues about how cognitive function changes with age. Researchers will combine this cohort’s data with existing studies to look for genetic patterns associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in Mexicans and Hispanic populations. The study emphasizes diverse ancestry to improve understanding of dementia biology and potential future interventions. Participants would contribute genetic information and health data to help advance knowledge about aging and brain health. The work is led by Rush University Medical Center in Chicago under a NIH program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could lead to better understanding of dementia risk in Mexican and Hispanic populations and inform personalized prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies using diverse population data have identified novel genetic factors for cognitive aging, but more work in Hispanic populations is needed to generalize findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grodstein, Francine — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Grodstein, Francine
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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.