Major research underway on Hispanics’ susceptibility to early Alzheimer’s

Why do Hispanics develop cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease sooner in life than other ethnic subpopulations in the U.S.? That’s the question fueling a $12 million study launched earlier this month at the University of North Texas.

The research team will include members from several other medical schools, and study leaders hope to attract volunteer participation from 1,000 Mexican-Americans and 1,000 non-Hispanic whites, according to a UNT news item.

“This is the first project to specifically attempt to understand how different biological causes relate to Alzheimer’s disease across ethnicities,” says UNT professor Sid O’Bryant, PhD. “By looking at different potential causes related to memory loss, we may be able to target the right pathway at the right time with the right intervention.”

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Dave Pearson

Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.

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