Using blood fatty acids to predict cognitive decline and dementia early
Official title: Developing a blood fatty acid-based algorithm as an early predictor of cognitive decline and dementia: Applying machine learning to harmonized data from prospective cohort studies
Funded at Omegaquant Analytics, LLC · NIH-10820645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether measuring fatty acids in your blood can help spot early signs of memory problems or Alzheimer's disease, so we can find people at risk before they show serious symptoms, and it’s designed for anyone interested in understanding their brain health better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Omegaquant Analytics, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sioux Falls, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $506,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AG085816-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10820645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced dementia or cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of using blood fatty acid levels as an early indicator of cognitive decline and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease. By applying machine learning techniques to harmonized data from various cohort studies, the project aims to identify high-risk individuals before significant symptoms appear. Participants may undergo blood tests to measure their fatty acid levels, which could provide insights into their cognitive health and allow for timely interventions. The goal is to develop a cost-effective and accessible predictive algorithm that can help in early diagnosis and management of dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enable earlier detection of cognitive decline, allowing for timely interventions that may slow or prevent the progression of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers for early detection of Alzheimer's disease, suggesting that this approach could be a valuable addition to existing methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Omegaquant Analytics, LLC
Sioux Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harris, Bill — Omegaquant Analytics, LLC
- Study coordinator: Harris, Bill
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cash transfers in South Africa to reduce dementia risk in later life
This project tests whether government cash transfers in rural South Africa help protect people’s thinking and memory as they age.
-
Dynamic cognitive health from everyday online surveys in dementia research
A big study uses everyday online surveys to read how people’s thinking changes over time, with the goal of spotting early signs of dementia.
-
Longitudinal multi-omics map of cognitive decline and dementia
A long-term study at University of Washington uses blood and brain data over many years to identify biological markers linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s dementia, with the goal of finding new treatment targets.
-
Peripheral immune signals and blood vessel health in aging and dementia
This project looks at how platelet and neutrophil activity relate to brain changes and biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease in older adults, especially those at higher cardiovascular risk.
-
Understanding cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s changes in people with long‑duration type 1 diabetes
A long-term study in adults with type 1 diabetes investigates why some people experience memory and thinking difficulties and brain changes typical of Alzheimer's disease.
-
Cash transfers in South Africa linked to later-life memory and dementia risk
A researchers’ team is testing whether government cash transfers in rural South Africa can help protect older adults from memory decline and dementia.
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.