Understanding Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers in Different Racial Groups
A Study of Race Differences in Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers
This research aims to improve how we understand and diagnose Alzheimer's disease in African Americans by looking at specific markers in the blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Lawrence NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lawrence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Alzheimer's disease affects African Americans at higher rates, yet they are often not fully represented in research. This project uses advanced lab techniques, called mass spectrometry, along with computer learning to find unique blood markers for Alzheimer's in this community. The goal is to create better diagnostic tools that work well for everyone, especially for African Americans, leading to more accurate and earlier detection. By doing so, we hope to close the gap in understanding how the disease progresses in different racial groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for African Americans aged 21 and older who are living with Alzheimer's disease or are at risk for it, especially those with the APOE e4 gene.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or those not of African American ancestry may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more accurate and earlier blood tests for Alzheimer's disease specifically tailored for African Americans.
How similar studies have performed: While the overall premise is supported by existing literature and preliminary data, this specific combination of techniques and focus on racial disparities in Alzheimer's biomarkers represents a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Lawrence, United States
- University of Kansas Lawrence — Lawrence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Desaire, Heather R — University of Kansas Lawrence
- Study coordinator: Desaire, Heather R
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.