Understanding Alzheimer's genetics in Latino communities
GLASS-AD: Global Latinos Sequencing Study for Alzheimer's Disease
This project uses whole-genome sequencing to find genetic risk and protective factors for Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic/Latino adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179376 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, researchers will collect a blood or saliva sample for whole-genome sequencing and gather information about your memory and medical history. The project plans to sequence DNA from about 6,000 Hispanic/Latino individuals, including people already enrolled in U.S. cohorts and new recruits from Peru and Bolivia. Investigators will look across different ancestry backgrounds (European, African, and Native American mixes) to find common and rare genetic changes linked to Alzheimer's. Results aim to improve understanding of why Alzheimer's affects Latino populations differently and help guide future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Hispanic/Latino adults (with or without Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment) who can provide a DNA sample and basic health and cognitive information, especially those with mixed European, African, and Native American ancestry.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment benefits, non-Hispanic individuals, children, or anyone unwilling to give a DNA sample or health information are unlikely to gain direct benefits from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic factors important for predicting Alzheimer's risk and guiding research toward better diagnostics and tailored treatments for Latino communities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous large sequencing projects have found key Alzheimer's genes in mainly European-ancestry groups, but Latino-focused sequencing is less common, so this builds on proven methods while addressing a gap in representation.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tosto, Giuseppe — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Tosto, Giuseppe
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.