Multi‑Ethnic Alzheimer’s Genetics in African American and Hispanic/Latinx Populations

Project 2: Multi-Ethnic Analysis for Alzheimer Disease

NIH-funded research University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11126021

Looking at genetic differences in African American and Hispanic/Latinx people to better understand who is at higher risk for Alzheimer’s.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project IDNIH-11126021 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you join, your DNA and health information will be added to a larger effort that includes African American, Hispanic/Latinx, European, and African ancestry groups. Researchers will use admixture mapping and trans‑ethnic genetic analyses to find gene variants that may raise or lower Alzheimer’s risk in different ancestries. They will compare chromosome segments inherited from different ancestral populations to identify ancestry‑linked risk or protective factors and also look for genetic signals shared across groups. The goal is to explain ancestry‑related differences in Alzheimer’s rates and point to tests or treatments that could work better for diverse communities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults of African, African American, or Hispanic/Latinx ancestry, including those with Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment, or a family history who can consent and provide a DNA sample and health information.

Not a fit: People who are not part of the targeted ancestry groups or who cannot or will not provide genetic samples are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could improve risk prediction and lead to more ancestry‑informed prevention or treatment strategies for people from African and Hispanic/Latinx backgrounds.

How similar studies have performed: Many genetic discoveries for Alzheimer’s came from European groups, but applying admixture and trans‑ethnic methods to African American and Hispanic/Latinx populations is relatively new and may reveal novel findings.

Where this research is happening

Coral Gables, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.