2024 New Investigator Awards Program (NIAP)
Genomic Link between Vascular Risk Factors and AD in Diverse Populations
Are there specific genes that increase one’s risk of Alzheimer’s and vascular diseases?
Annie Lee, Ph.D.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, NY - United States
Background
Many researchers believe that there is not a single cause of Alzheimer’s and other dementia, but rather, they develop over time as a result of several factors including lifestyle, environment, and genetics. Studies have shown that vascular (blood vessel) diseases such as hypertension, stroke, and type 2 diabetes may contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer’s later in life. However, the precise mechanisms for this are unknown. Dr. Annie Lee and colleagues believe that Alzheimer’s and vascular diseases may share common genetic risk factors.
Research Plan
For their project, Dr. Lee and the team will leverage large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) which include genetic information from individuals with Alzheimer’s as well as cognitively unimpaired older adults. First, they will compare the genetic information to clinical data for each individual and identify the specific genes that are associated with both Alzheimer’s and vascular disease. The researchers will also assess whether the same genes are identified across individuals of different racial/ethnic backgrounds. Next, the team will examine which biological pathways the genes play a role in to identify the mechanisms by which Alzheimer’s and vascular disease risk are linked.
Impact
The results of this project could shed new light on our understanding of the mechanisms linking vascular disease risk with one’s lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s. They may also lead to new treatments and prevention strategies for those at greatest risk of developing the disease.
The New Investigator Program Award (NIAP) is jointly funded by the Alzheimer's Association and National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center.