Researchers are currently investigating how African ancestry can impact specific brain disorders. Black Americans have been notably absent from many genomic studies related to neurological disorders, leading to a lack of understanding about how African ancestry might influence a person’s susceptibility to these conditions or their response to treatment.
To address this gap, the African American community leaders in Baltimore, along with the Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Duke University, and Morgan State University, established the African Ancestry Neuroscience Research Initiative in 2019. The initiative aims to shed light on the potential impact of genetic ancestry on brain disorders.
The first study emerging from this initiative, which was published in Nature Neuroscience in May, revealed that genes linked to African ancestry could impact certain brain cells in a way that raises the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and stroke. On the other hand, genes associated with European ancestry appeared to influence different brain cells, potentially increasing the risk of Parkinson’s disease, a condition less common among Black Americans.
Dr. Kafui Dzirasa, a professor of psychiatry at Duke University and one of the investigators involved in the study, emphasized the importance of considering individual genomic characteristics in medical care. He envisions a future where treatments are tailored based on a person’s unique genetic makeup, offering a more personalized approach to healthcare.
The findings of this research highlight the need for more inclusive studies that take into account diverse genetic backgrounds when exploring the underlying mechanisms of brain disorders. By understanding how African ancestry may influence the development and progression of these conditions, researchers can pave the way for more targeted and effective treatment strategies in the future.
For those interested in learning more about brain science or contributing to the conversation, NPR’s Short Wave podcast welcomes inquiries and feedback. Additionally, listeners can access sponsor-free episodes of Short Wave and support NPR’s work by signing up for Short Wave+.
The episode featuring this research was produced by Rachel Carlson, edited by Rebecca Ramirez, fact-checked by Jon Hamilton, and engineered by Kwesi Lee. Through collaborative efforts and ongoing research initiatives like the African Ancestry Neuroscience Research Initiative, the medical community aims to advance our understanding of brain disorders and improve healthcare outcomes for individuals of all genetic backgrounds.
