Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
Official title: Non-invasive detection of early Alzheimer's Disease using biomarkers in tears in a low-to-middle income country
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11623923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $28,050 |
| NIH project number | 3R21AG096289-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11623923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals aged 65 and older who may be at risk for AD or related dementias and are in LMIC settings, particularly Peru.
✕Less likely to help
Older adults without cognitive concerns or those in settings with no access to follow-up care may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores using tear fluid collected with Schirmer strips as a non-invasive biomarker source to identify mild cognitive impairment before dementia progresses. It emphasizes late-life detection in low-to-middle income countries where traditional tests are less accessible, aiming to enable earlier counseling and risk-factor modification. The study focuses on simple sample collection that does not require complex laboratory infrastructure, making it more feasible in rural and resource-limited settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable earlier diagnosis and better care planning for older adults with cognitive concerns in LMICs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports tear-based biomarkers as a promising but still developing area for CNS-related conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diaz, Monica Maria — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Diaz, Monica Maria
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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.