Sex and hormones in inherited early-onset Alzheimer's
Examining the impact of sex and hormones on the progression of autosomal dominant Alzheimer's disease
This research looks at how being male or female and hormone differences relate to disease progression in people who inherit early‑onset Alzheimer's from a PSEN1 gene change.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11329188 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a long-term study following people who carry the PSEN1 E280A mutation that causes early‑onset Alzheimer's. Researchers will collect brain scans, fluid biomarkers (like amyloid and tau), and regular cognitive tests over time and use statistical models to compare men and women. They will also examine hormone-related factors that might help memory early on or make decline happen faster later. The research aims to explain why women often show early verbal memory advantages yet later decline faster.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults who carry the PSEN1 E280A mutation or relatives enrolled in that autosomal dominant Alzheimer's kindred cohort, including both sexes and people near expected ages of symptom onset.
Not a fit: People without the PSEN1 mutation or those with typical late‑onset Alzheimer's may not directly benefit from these findings in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor monitoring and future treatments by sex and hormone status to improve early detection and care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies give mixed results on sex and hormone effects in Alzheimer's, but using longitudinal biomarkers in this large PSEN1 family is a relatively novel and powerful approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vila Castelar, Clara — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Vila Castelar, Clara
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.