Investigating genetic influences on late onset Alzheimer's disease

Late Onset Alzheimer's Disease

Observational Columbia University · NCT05010603

This study is trying to find out how genetics might affect the risk of developing late onset Alzheimer's disease by looking at families with a history of the condition.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment10000 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorColumbia University Academic / other
Locations12 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 11 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05010603 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the genetic factors that may contribute to the risk of late onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). Researchers will recruit families and individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds who have a family history of AD, focusing on those with multiple affected relatives. The study will involve genetic linkage analysis to identify potential genes associated with increased AD risk, beyond the known susceptibility genes. Participants will undergo blood draws and neuropsychological testing to assess cognitive function and gather relevant data.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with a diagnosis of late onset Alzheimer's disease or related neurodegenerative disorders, along with family members who have a history of AD.

Not a fit: Patients without a family history of Alzheimer's disease or those who do not meet the specific diagnostic criteria may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a better understanding of genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, potentially informing prevention and treatment strategies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying genetic factors related to Alzheimer's disease, but this study aims to explore novel genetic influences that have not been previously identified.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Established diagnosis of definite or probable AD or have a diagnosis of a related neurodegenerative disorder such as Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) or Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) (will also recruit sporadic FTD and LBD) cases.
* a living sibling with probable or possible AD;
* a third living relative affected with AD (onset age 50 or older) or unaffected (60 or older);
* participants in the proband's generation with an identified companion serving as an informant;
* participants who have capacity to consent or participants lacking capacity to consent with a surrogate/proxy in place to provide consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* failure to identify an appropriate informant;
* uncertainty of the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or other related disorder;
* discovery of additional diagnosis that could account for the clinical manifestations;
* unwillingness to participate;
* failure to identify a living sibling with AD or other related disorder (except in the cases of sporadic FTD and sporadic LBD);
* participants lacking the capacity to consent who do not have a surrogate or proxy or next of kin to provide consent.

Where this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 11 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Alzheimer DiseaseGenetic testingGenetic influence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.