Understanding biases in genetic studies using family health history
Official title: Characterizing pervasive biases in genome-wide association study using family health history as proxy phenotypes
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10930982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how your family's health history can help find genetic links to Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions, so we can better understand who might be at risk and why.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $174,938 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG085162-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10930982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a family history of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, particularly those under 11 years old.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a family history of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how family health history can be used to identify genetic factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing data from biobanks, the study aims to improve the accuracy of genetic associations by addressing biases in current methodologies. It focuses on the use of proxy phenotypes, which allows researchers to gather information about patients indirectly through their family members. This approach could enhance the understanding of genetic risks for Alzheimer's and related conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate genetic risk assessments for Alzheimer's disease, improving early detection and personalized treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using similar proxy methods has shown promise in enhancing genetic studies for neurodegenerative diseases, indicating a potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lu, Qiongshi — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lu, Qiongshi
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.