Understanding genetic risk for Alzheimer’s in African and admixed African-American people
Official title: Characterizing the Genetic Risk for Alzheimer Disease in African and Admixed African-American Ancestries
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11595883 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how genes affect Alzheimer’s risk in African and mixed African-American groups to improve understanding and eventually help diverse patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $379,448 |
| NIH project number | 3U01AG084545-03S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11595883 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals of African ancestry or admixed African-American heritage who may participate in genetic studies, biomarker sampling, or MRI sub-studies.
✕Less likely to help
People not represented in these specific ancestry groups or those who do not participate in genetic, biomarker, or MRI components may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study genetic data, blood biomarkers, and MRI scans from thousands of people of African ancestry to identify how Alzheimer’s risk differs in these populations. The project builds on existing large datasets and adds new participants to better capture diversity. Over the project’s five-year span, participants will have genetic analyses, biomarker testing, and longitudinal follow-up to see how risk factors relate to disease progression. The goal is to improve risk prediction and tailor future prevention and treatment efforts for diverse communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of Alzheimer’s risk in African and admixed populations could lead to more accurate risk assessment and personalized approaches for prevention and care.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown ancestry-specific differences in AD risk loci, supporting the need for diverse genetic research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Griswold, Anthony John — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Griswold, Anthony John
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Understanding Alzheimer's Genetic Risk in African and Admixed African-American People
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Genetic Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease in African and African-American Ancestries
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Understanding genetic risk for Alzheimer’s in African and admixed African-American communities
Researchers are studying how genetic factors influence Alzheimer’s risk in people of African ancestry to better understand why dementia affects these groups differently.
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.