NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic and Latinx populations

Official title: Polygenic Risk Scores for Alzheimer's Disease in Hispanic/Latinx Populations

Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10662781 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how genes might affect the risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic and Latinx people, aiming to create a better way to understand individual risk by using a mix of common and rare genetic information.

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Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startMay 15, 2023
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$1,868,557
NIH project number1RF1AG082009-01A1
Project IDNIH-10662781 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are Hispanic and Latinx individuals who may be at risk for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not identify as Hispanic or Latinx or those who do not have a family history of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the genetic factors contributing to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) specifically in Hispanic and Latinx populations. By utilizing polygenic risk scores (PRS), the study aims to create a comprehensive genetic risk profile that incorporates both common and rare genetic variants. The research will leverage large cohorts from Columbia University to develop ancestry-specific PRS, which could enhance the accuracy of disease prediction and patient risk stratification. This approach is innovative as it addresses the gap in existing research that primarily focuses on European-descended populations.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate risk assessments for Alzheimer's disease in Hispanic and Latinx individuals, potentially guiding early interventions and personalized treatment strategies.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in developing polygenic risk scores for other populations, but this approach is novel for Hispanic and Latinx groups.

Where this research is happening

  • Columbia University Health Sciences
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Tosto, Giuseppe — Columbia University Health Sciences
  • Study coordinator: Tosto, Giuseppe

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.