Understanding how genetics and omega-3 fats in blood relate to dementia risk
Official title: Establishing interaction polygenic risk scores for blood omega-3 fatty acids and genetic variants on incident all-cause dementia and alzheimer's disease
Funded at Fatty Acid Research Institute · NIH-11373101 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re studying how blood omega-3 levels and genetic factors might influence the chance of developing dementia like Alzheimer’s.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fatty Acid Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sioux Falls, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $412,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG096255-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373101 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, and those with APOE e4 or related risk factors.
✕Less likely to help
If you do not have or are not at risk for dementia, results may be less directly applicable to you.
What this research studies
This project looks at how a common brain-friendly nutrient, DHA, interacts with a person’s genes to affect dementia risk. Researchers will analyze genetic and blood DHA data to explain why studies on DHA and dementia have had mixed results. The work aims to identify which people might benefit most from DHA-related strategies to reduce risk. The study will use existing data to find patterns that could guide personalized prevention approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, results could help tailor dietary DHA recommendations based on a person’s genes to lower dementia risk.
How similar studies have gone: Some studies show DHA-related benefits in subgroups defined by genetics, but results are inconsistent, making this approach promising yet not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
-
Fatty Acid Research Institute
Sioux Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tintle, Nathan L — Fatty Acid Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Tintle, Nathan L
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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.