Rutgers Seeks Volunteers For First-Ever South Asian Alzheimer’s Study

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ — Rutgers University is currently looking for volunteers from the South Asian community to help researchers learn about Alzheimer’s and dementia among those ethnic groups.

The research is being done by the Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center at Rutgers Brain Health Institute.

The study is the first of its kind, and aims to understand the characteristics that place South Asian populations at a potentially heightened risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Rutgers said they are specifically looking for people from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. They are looking for people ages 45 to 70 with ethnic or racial backgrounds from those countries, and who have one or more parents with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or similar.

While many different ethnic groups have unique risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, very little is known about the specific characteristics that may place South Asian populations at risk, said the Rutgers team.

Participants will be compensated for their time and effort.

"This is concerning because of the elevated prevalence of Type 2 diabetes within South Asian communities, which substantially increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s and related dementias," said Michal Schnaider Beeri, director of the Alzheimer’s Research Center, and the woman who is leading the study.

If you agree and are chosen to participate, the study will last for many years: Participants will undergo comprehensive assessments every two years, encompassing surveys, cognitive and language assessments, motor function tasks, blood tests, physical and neurological exams, as well as brain imaging.

To learn more, or participate in the study, email adrd@bhi.rutgers.edu

Learn more about the Krieger Klein Alzheimer’s Research Center at Rutgers Brain Health Institute.

The study will delve into various factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including genetic predisposition, lifestyle choices (including physical activity, nutrition and sleep), socio-economic factors and social determinants of health.

“We feel that it is our obligation from a public health impact to generate evidence that can be translated into treatments and early diagnostics tailored to South Asian communities,” said Beeri.

She said participants in the study will play a pivotal role in uncovering unique risk and protective factors, ultimately leading to treatments and prevention strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.