Xue and Fohner Examine Statistical Implications of Diversity in U.S. Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Data
Posted: 3/28/2024 (CSDE Research)
CSDE Trainee Diane Xue (Public Health Genetics) and CSDE Affiliate Alison Fohner (Epidemiology) released an article with co-authors in Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, titled “The power of representation: Statistical analysis of diversity in US Alzheimer’s disease genetics data“. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex disease influenced by genetics and environment. More than 75 susceptibility loci have been linked to late-onset AD, but most of these loci were discovered in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) exclusive to non-Hispanic White individuals. There are wide disparities in AD risk across racially stratified groups, and while these disparities are not due to genetic differences, underrepresentation in genetic research can further exacerbate and contribute to their persistence. Authors investigated the racial/ethnic representation of participants in United States (US)-based AD genetics and examined the statistical implications of current representation on our understanding of AD’s genetic causes across populations.