Alzheimer’s Research

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Category: Alzheimer’s Research

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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