Understanding how genes and environment contribute to Alzheimer's and related brain diseases in older adults
Modeling functional genomics of susceptibility to the persistent effects of environmental toxins in an elderly rural Indiana neurodegenerative cohort
['FUNDING_R01'] · PURDUE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11089433
This research explores how environmental exposures and our genes work together to cause Alzheimer's disease and similar conditions in older people.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | PURDUE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11089433 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We want to understand why some people develop Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, while others with similar genetic risks do not. This project looks at how long-lasting effects from environmental toxins might interact with a person's genes to cause these brain conditions. We will collect blood samples from siblings in northern Indiana who have different brain health outcomes, then turn these blood cells into brain cells in the lab to study their vulnerability. This helps us see how genetic and environmental factors might lead to neurodegenerative diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants for related efforts would be same-sex siblings in northern Indiana who show differences in their cognitive and motor function related to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Not a fit: Patients not directly involved in providing samples for this foundational laboratory research may not experience immediate personal benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how to prevent or treat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by identifying key gene-environment interactions.
How similar studies have performed: While genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's have been identified, this specific approach of studying gene-environment interactions using patient-derived stem cells from siblings is a novel way to explore persistent neurotoxicity.
Where this research is happening
WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES
- PURDUE UNIVERSITY — WEST LAFAYETTE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BOWMAN, AARON B — PURDUE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: BOWMAN, AARON B
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome