HudsonAlpha launches a study to assess genetics and lifestyle in Alzheimer’s risk.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine are launching a new study to examine the role genetics and lifestyle factors play in Alzheimer’s disease development.
The “Hope AD” study aims to identify individuals at the highest risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease by analyzing genetic factors, blood biomarkers, and lifestyle elements, including diet and exercise habits.
“The idea is to try to learn more about the interplay between genetics and lifestyle when it comes to risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia,” said Megan Cochran, director of the Smith Family Clinic.
Researchers plan to screen participants and select approximately 50 individuals determined to be at highest risk for potential Alzheimer’s development. Those identified as high-risk will be offered a six-month lifestyle intervention program.
The intervention includes working with a dietitian, health coach, access to a brain training app, and fitness tracking to monitor progress throughout the six-month period. Researchers will then reassess participants to determine if the interventions affected their risk factors.
“We know a pretty good amount about the genetics of Alzheimer’s at this point, in terms of there being some genes that have a higher effect on someone’s risk and then many others that maybe it’s a smaller effect, but there’s a lot of them, and in combination they kind of add up to a person’s risk,” Cochran said.
The Smith Family Clinic is seeking 200 participants between ages 65 and 75 who have a close family member with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Interested individuals can learn more on HudsonAlpha’s website or call 256-327-9640.
