NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding genetic and metabolic factors in Alzheimer's disease among diverse populations

Official title: Epidemiological Integration of Genetic Variants and Metabolomics Profiles in Washington Heights Columbia Aging Project

Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10875725 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how our genes and body chemistry might affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, especially in different communities in Washington Heights, and it involves regular check-ups and tests for participants to help us learn more about this condition.

More Aging research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,525,349
NIH project number4R01AG066107-02
Project IDNIH-10875725 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals and other ethnic groups who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or are interested in understanding their genetic and metabolic health.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not belong to the targeted ethnic groups or who do not have a family history of Alzheimer's disease may not receive direct benefits from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how genetic variants and metabolomic profiles contribute to the risk and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, particularly focusing on diverse populations in Washington Heights. By analyzing biological samples and clinical data from a multi-ethnic cohort, the study aims to identify environmental and genetic risk factors associated with Alzheimer's. Participants undergo medical examinations and cognitive assessments every 18 months, allowing researchers to track changes over time and understand the interplay between genetics, metabolism, and disease progression.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Alzheimer's disease and personalized treatment options based on genetic and metabolic profiles.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in understanding the relationship between genetics and Alzheimer's disease, but this research aims to expand on those findings by including a more diverse population.

Where this research is happening

  • Columbia University Health Sciences
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Mayeux, Richard P — Columbia University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Mayeux, Richard P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Using metabolomics to understand aging mechanisms

    This study is looking at how tiny molecules in our bodies can help us understand aging and age-related health problems, using fruit flies to see how diet and genes affect aging, with the hope of finding ways to help people age healthier.

    NIH research Tufts University Boston · Boston, United States · NIH-10977897

  • Understanding how aging affects immune cell function and metabolism

    This study is looking at how our immune system changes as we get older, especially how certain immune cells that help fight infections become less effective, and it's designed for older adults who want to understand more about their immune health.

    NIH research Georgia Institute of Technology · Atlanta, United States · NIH-10839917

  • Aging Well with HIV: Alcohol, Risk Reduction, and Education Center (AWAR3E)

    A center at Yale is exploring how aging with HIV interacts with alcohol use to create inflammation and frailty, with the goal of finding biomarkers and potential treatments.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11638490

  • Cognitive SuperAging: Exploring why some octogenarians stay sharp in memory

    This NIH grant studies why a small group of people aged 80+ keep memory skills as good as much younger people, hoping to understand how to protect memory as we age.

    NIH research University of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11623260

  • Biological aging across the lifespan through a national high school-to-adult study

    This grant uses a long-running national study of students and adults to collect saliva biomarkers of aging, alongside surveys, to understand how aging markers relate to health and life experiences.

    NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11623183

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.