The link between alleles in apolipoprotein E (APOE) and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has been established in most human populations. Recent studies have shown that this link is either weak or non-existent in the African American population. This research and the fact that African Americans are the fastest growing component of the elderly population in the U.S. emphasizes the need for research into the risk factors for AD in this sub-group. Recent studies have noted an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease with AD; in one study a hypothesis that high blood pressure is a risk for AD was proposed. As the African American population has the highest lifetime risk of developing hypertension in the U.S., we propose a case/control study to investigate the association between polymorphisms in genes linked to hypertension with respect to their association with risk of developing AD. We will use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based methods to identify and characterize polymorphisms of these genes that occur with AD and we will compare the relationship of the different polymorphisms of these genes to the polymorphisms of potential AD risk genes already known. In this manner we hope to isolate genes that may contribute to increased risk of AD in African Americans.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
5F31AG005848-02
Application #
6448471
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-ALTX-4 (02))
Program Officer
Miller, Marilyn
Project Start
1999-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
2001-06-01
Budget End
2002-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$25,895
Indirect Cost
Name
Meharry Medical College
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Other Domestic Higher Education
DUNS #
City
Nashville
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37208