Understanding how certain blood mutations may protect against Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Uncovering mechanisms of protection from Alzheimer's disease in CHIP using human cohorts and biosamples
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-11193530 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in blood stem cells, which are often found in older adults, might help protect against Alzheimer's disease, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how these changes could influence brain health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,400,625 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG088656-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193530 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults with clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CHIP or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) and Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on how mutations in blood stem cells, which are common in older adults, might influence the risk of developing Alzheimer's. By analyzing human cohorts and biosamples, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the observed protective effects of CHIP against Alzheimer's disease. Patients with CHIP may have altered immune responses in the brain that could be beneficial in preventing Alzheimer's-related damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous epidemiological studies have shown a protective association between CHIP and Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this research builds on promising findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jaiswal, Siddhartha — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Jaiswal, Siddhartha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how brain activity changes may drive Alzheimer’s disease progression in a mouse model
Researchers are testing how changes in brain signals and protein cleanup processes affect the development of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
-
Thiamine-boosting therapy for Alzheimer’s: understanding how benfotiamine may reduce harmful AGE in DP patients
A medication-based approach using high-dose vitamin B1 (benfotiamine) is studied to help people with Alzheimer's by reducing harmful sugar-related molecules.
-
Non-invasive tears biomarker for early Alzheimer's in LMICs
A low-cost, tear-based biomarker approach aims to detect early Alzheimer’s disease in older adults in Peru and similar settings.
-
Turning APOE4 into protective APOE2 or APOE3Christchurch to help with Alzheimer’s
A patient-facing explanation of a treatment idea that aims to change a genetic risk factor for Alzheimer's disease in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease: Sensory, Motor, and Cognitive Clues
Researchers are testing simple sensory and movement tasks to find early signs of Alzheimer’s disease so they can diagnose and treat people sooner.
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.