MIDUS Genomics — Genes, Aging, and Alzheimer’s Risk
Project 4 -- MIDUS Genomics Project
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11174415
This project collects genetic and gene-activity information from middle-aged and older adults to link genes and biological aging with thinking, mood, and Alzheimer’s risk.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11174415 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would provide blood samples and health, mood, and lifestyle information for genomic testing. Researchers measure gene activity (RNA), DNA methylation marks that track biological aging, and genetic variants (including APOE) in about 1,200 MIDUS participants. Twin pairs are used to help separate inherited effects from life experiences, and two waves of molecular data let scientists see changes over time. The project shares data and analytic tools with other researchers so results can be used to study links between stress, inflammation, aging, cognition, and dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged or older adults (including twin pairs) who can provide blood samples and complete cognitive, health, and psychosocial questionnaires for the MIDUS cohort.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate medical treatment for Alzheimer’s or direct clinical benefits should not expect direct therapeutic benefit from participation because the project primarily collects data for future research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal molecular markers and pathways that predict Alzheimer’s risk and how stress and aging affect brain health, helping guide earlier detection and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other large cohort genomics studies have successfully identified risk genes like APOE and developed DNA methylation 'aging clocks,' so this project builds on established methods while adding repeated measures and psychosocial data.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RYFF, CAROL D. — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: RYFF, CAROL 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.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease