INDIANAPOLIS — The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana Chapter recently announced it is funding a $1 million add-on study focusing on genetics to the Longitudinal Early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease Study (LEADS) led by Indiana University School of Medicine. The additional funding will allow researchers to study the entire genome of all 600 participants to better understand the role of genes in the development of the disease. While genetic information will be gathered from participants at sites across the country, all of the genetic analysis will take place at IU School of Medicine.
Alzheimer’s disease is considered early- or younger-onset if it affects an individual below age 65. Many are in their 40s and 50s at the time of their diagnosis and may still be working, raising children and even serving as caregivers themselves. It is distinguished from early stage Alzheimer’s disease, which can occur at any age and refers to a step in the progression of the disease. No matter when it is diagnosed, Alzheimer’s disease is fatal. Of the top 10 causes of death in American adults, it is the only one that cannot be prevented, slowed or cured.
LEADS is the largest, most comprehensive study of individuals with younger-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The $1 million grant is the Greater Indiana Chapter’s largest-ever investment in research.
To learn more about the LEADS study, visit alz.org/leads.