Understanding the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in healthy older adults.
Returning Research Results that Indicate Risk of Alzheimer Disease to Healthy Participants in Longitudinal Studies
This study is looking at how sharing information about the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease affects the mental well-being and thinking skills of healthy older adults who get results from their medical tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10798109 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of informing healthy older adults about their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease based on recent medical tests. Participants in a long-term study will have the option to receive results from PET scans, MRIs, and genetic tests, which will be summarized as a 5-year risk estimate for Alzheimer’s. The study aims to assess how this information impacts participants' psychological well-being and cognitive performance. By exploring these outcomes, the research seeks to balance ethical considerations with the desire of participants to understand their health risks.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy older adults who are enrolled in longitudinal studies and are interested in understanding their risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other significant cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower patients with knowledge about their Alzheimer’s risk, potentially leading to better preparedness and management of their health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that returning risk information can have significant psychosocial impacts, but this specific approach to Alzheimer’s risk communication is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hartz, Sarah — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Hartz, Sarah
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.