In the coming years, a revolutionary and highly-accurate blood test will become available to diagnose Alzheimer's disease. 

The risk associated with APOE ε4 depends heavily on individual ancestry. For example, findings suggest that inheriting APOE ε4 from a Japanese ancestor carries 40 times the risk of the general population, whereas inheriting APOE ε4 from a Nigerian Yoruban ancestor carries no increased risk at all. 

To develop an accurate blood test for Alzheimer's disease, we need to understand how an individual's ancestry impacts their level of risk. It is also important for us to consider how heart disease, kidney disease, type II diabetes, and other health conditions can alter the accuracy of the test, as the current research generally does not include individuals who are afflicted with these conditions. 

Mantyh Lab believes it is critical to include Native Americans in the research to develop an accurate Alzheimer's disease screening test. We partner with Tribal Nations who make research possible. Our Tribal Nation partners have ultimate decision-making and total ownership of the research data and how the research is performed.

If you would like to learn more or are interested in participating in our study, please visit our Contact Us page.