Sex-specific blood biomarkers predict dementia risk in older adults
Official title: Sex-specific risk factors and trajectories of blood biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Funded at Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute · NIH-11588438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH project tests how blood biomarkers and sex differences predict future dementia in older people, with the goal of personalized prognosis and prevention.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $216,893 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG079397-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11588438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults living in the community without diagnosed dementia who are willing to provide blood samples and participate in long-term follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals who already have diagnosed dementia or cannot participate in long-term follow-up may not receive direct benefit.
What this research studies
The study uses blood-based biomarkers related to amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration to develop a sex-specific risk score for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in initially healthy, community-dwelling seniors. It leverages longitudinal data to understand how factors like age and comorbidities influence biomarker interpretation in men and women. By focusing on a real-world older population, the research aims to improve early identification of those at highest risk and support timely preventive strategies. The work is conducted at Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute under the leadership of Anne M. Murray, with careful attention to how biomarker profiles translate to clinical prognosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable personalized risk prediction for ADRD and guide earlier, targeted prevention efforts.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research with AT(N) biomarkers has shown promise, but sex-specific risk scoring in healthy older populations is a newer approach with potential for meaningful impact.
Where this research is happening
-
Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Murray, Anne M — Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Murray, Anne M
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This project looks at whether sleep problems and lower body temperature in adults with Down syndrome are linked to higher chances of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
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Sex-specific blood biomarkers to predict Alzheimer's and related dementias
This project aims to use blood biomarkers to predict risk of Alzheimer's-related conditions in older adults, with attention to how sex differences may change risk.
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How blood tests and risk factors differ by sex for Alzheimer's and related dementias
This project looks at blood tests (amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration markers) and other risk factors in older men and women to help spot who may develop Alzheimer's or related dementias.
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.