Alzheimer’s Research

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Category: Alzheimer’s Research

Mining DNA for Alzheimer’s Secrets

Mining DNA for Alzheimer’s Secrets


By Josh Baxt

Researchers at the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics (HIHG) at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine are uncovering new insights into the genetic roots of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia. Led by Anthony Griswold, Ph.D., and Brian Kunkle, Ph.D., M.P.H., the team is using advanced genome-wide association studies and whole-genome sequencing to identify genetic variations that influence risk and protection against the disease.

Their work casts a global net beyond populations of European ancestry to include groups from Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, revealing unique genetic markers and protective factors, such as variants in the APOEΣ4 gene. These discoveries are helping researchers better understand disease mechanisms and uncover new therapeutic targets.

The HIHG team is also advancing early detection efforts through innovative “liquid biopsy” techniques that identify Alzheimer’s biomarkers in blood plasma. This approach could allow for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment strategies.

“Every time we bring in a new population we’ve never studied before, we find new genetic markers,” said Dr. Griswold. “That’s going to help us develop diagnostic tests and medicines that could eventually help all people with Alzheimer’s.”

For the full story, click here.

🧠 Want a Healthier Brain? Try Being Creative!

🧠 Want a Healthier Brain? Try Being Creative!

By Susan H. Blanton, Ph.D.

A new study shows that doing creative things—like dancing, painting, playing music, or even playing video games—can help keep your brain younger and healthier.

Scientists looked at brain scans from over 1,400 people and used computers to figure out their “brain age.” That’s how old your brain seems based on how it works. They found that people who do creative activities often had brains that looked younger than their real age.

Even learning something new for a short time, like playing a strategy video game, helped. But the biggest benefits came from people who had been doing creative things for many years.

The study also found that creativity helps the brain stay strong in areas that usually get weaker with age. It improves how different parts of the brain work together, which helps with thinking, memory, and focus.

The best part? These benefits were seen in people from all over the world, no matter what kind of creative activity they did.

So if you want to keep your brain sharp, try something creative! Whether it’s dancing, drawing, or gaming, your brain will thank you.

American Society of Human Genetics Honors Dr. Margaret Pericak-Vance with Lifetime Achievement Award

The annual award recognizes the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics director’s substantial and far-reaching scientific contributions to human genetics.


By Lisette Hilton

Margaret Pericak-Vance, Ph.D., director of the John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics and the Dr. John T. Macdonald Foundation Professor of Human Genetics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has been honored with the American Society of Human Genetics’ (ASHG) 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Pericak-Vance, who received her award at the ASHG’s annual meeting in Denver on Nov. 7, delivered a moving acceptance speech that touched on major personal and professional milestones. She acknowledged friends, family and colleagues for their support throughout her career.

“Thank you to all of my friends and family and collaborators and everyone who has supported my journey. Without you this would not have been possible,” said Dr. Pericak-Vance. “Genetics is a team science, and we need each other to move the field forward.”

Former winners include Nobel Prize winners Joseph L. Goldstein, Michael S. Brown and Kary B. Mullis, as well as Alec Jeffreys, who established DNA fingerprinting, and physician-scientist Dr. Francis S. Collins, to name a few.

To Learn More, Visit The Millers School Of Medicine

Exploring Genetic Variants and Global Challenges in Alzheimer Disease Research: Jeffery M. Vance, MD, PhD


By Jeffery Vance, MD, PhD
Isabella Ciccone, MPH
Fact checked by Marco Meglio

The Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP) is an initiative by the National Institute on Aging focused on identifying genetic variants that either increase the risk of or provide protection against Alzheimer disease (AD). In its current phase, the study concentrates on whole genome sequencing in non-European populations, including Hispanic/Latino, non-Hispanic Black individuals with African ancestry, and Asian groups. At the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference, held from July 28 to August 1, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a recent study provided an overview of the clinical characteristics within the ADSP cohorts.1

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Alz in the Hispanic Community

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyIH3eVroW0

 

The University of Miami Health System, through its Genomic Institute, is spearheading an initiative to increase Hispanic participation in Alzheimer’s research. The primary goal of this study is to identify genetic risks associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease in the Hispanic-Latino population, which have not been extensively documented in medical literature.

Carolyn Banks’s story is not uncommon. As she noticed her older sister’s memory fading, her own brain health became a source of concern. This personal experience is reflective of a larger, more troubling trend observed in Miami-Dade County. The fear of memory loss, difficulty in recalling words, and names slipping away are signs that resonate with many in the community.

Despite Hispanics having the second highest risk of Alzheimer’s, they are only included in 1% of the studies conducted. Increasing their inclusion is not just about representation; it’s about improving access to medical resources and developing treatments specifically tailored for the community.

Jesús Carcases and his wife, who are caregivers for their 57-year-old daughter with Alzheimer’s, are participating in the study. They believe that involvement in such research is crucial for finding better outcomes. “This disease greatly affects families. We need to participate to seek better results,” says Carcases.

While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, identifying specific human genome variants in this population can aid in creating preventive measures, especially for families at high risk of the disease. “Participating and helping this cause makes you feel good and happy,” adds Carcases.

For more information about Alzheimer’s studies or to participate, individuals can call 877-582-2788 or visit thedawnstudy.com.

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