---
title: "Genetic Studies of Alzheimer’s Disease in Caribbean Hispanics (EFIGA)"
id: "7297"
type: "study"
slug: "sa000062"
published_at: "2024-11-13T15:07:11+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-03-26T16:34:40+00:00"
url: "https://dss.niagads.org/studies/sa000062/"
markdown_url: "https://dss.niagads.org/studies/sa000062.md"
excerpt: "The Genetic Studies of Alzheimer’s Disease in Caribbean Hispanics (EFIGA) is the largest collection of Caribbean Hispanic multiplex AD families recruited and longitudinally assessed worldwide. At this stage we are concentrating our efforts on follow up visits and expanding already..."
---

## Description

The Genetic Studies of Alzheimer’s Disease in Caribbean Hispanics (EFIGA) is the largest collection of Caribbean Hispanic multiplex AD families recruited and longitudinally assessed worldwide. At this stage we are concentrating our efforts on follow up visits and expanding already recruited families. We will continue to recruit new families as well as expanding the existing ones. We will also continue our efforts on identifying genetic variants predisposing to LOAD. On the other hand there we will continue to expand our cohort of unrelated cases and controls. The use of multiplex families to understand genetic susceptibility to AD began with early‐onset forms.

Over the length of the project EFIGA have identified environmental, health-related and genetic risk factors of disease and predictors of disease progression by collecting longitudinal data on cognitive performance, emotional health, independence in daily activities, blood pressure, cardiovascular status in this Caribbean Hispanic cohort. Sample collection includes DNA, Plasma, CSF and Paxgene.

## PI

Richard Mayeux, MD, MSc  
 *Columbia University*

## Associated Datasets

- [NG00067 - ADSP Umbrella](https://dss.niagads.org/datasets/ng00067/) This dataset includes sequencing data and harmonized phenotypes from cohorts sequenced by the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project and other AD and Related Dementia’s studies. Samples are processed using a common… [Learn more](https://dss.niagads.org/datasets/ng00067/)

## Associated Sample Sets

- [snd10104 - EFIGA1 WGS](https://dss.niagads.org/sample-sets/snd10104/) A total of 1,396 EFIGA cohort samples were sequenced at NYGC and USUHS using the Illumina HiSeqX platform. The BAM files were sent to GCAD for processing through the VCPA1.1… [Learn more](https://dss.niagads.org/sample-sets/snd10104/)

## Cohorts

- [Estudio Familiar de Influencia Genetica en Alzheimer (EFIGA)](https://dss.niagads.org/cohorts/estudio-familiar-de-influencia-genetica-en-alzheimer-efiga/) Estudio Familiar de Influencia Genetica en Alzheimer (EFIGA) included 683 at-risk family members from 242 AD-affected families of Caribbean Hispanic descent. These families have 2 or more individuals affected with Alzheimer’s… [Learn more](https://dss.niagads.org/cohorts/estudio-familiar-de-influencia-genetica-en-alzheimer-efiga/)
- [Washington Heights and Inwood Community Aging project (WHICAP)](https://dss.niagads.org/cohorts/washington-heights-and-inwood-community-aging-project-whicap/) Unrelated Nondemented (initially), 65 years of age or older including non‐Hispanic whites (32%), African Americans (28%), and Caribbean Hispanics from the Dominican Republic (44%). Assessments include: medical evaluation, cognitive testing,… [Learn more](https://dss.niagads.org/cohorts/washington-heights-and-inwood-community-aging-project-whicap/)

## Grants

R01AG067501

## Acknowledgement

### Acknowledgment statement for any data distributed by NIAGADS:

Data for this study were prepared, archived, and distributed by the National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS) at the University of Pennsylvania (U24-AG041689), funded by the National Institute on Aging.

### For investigators using Estudio Familiar de la Influencia Genetica en Alzheimer (EFIGA) data:

Data collection for this project was supported by the Genetic Studies of Alzheimer’s disease in Caribbean Hispanics (EFIGA) funded by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (5R37AG015473, RF1AG015473, R56AG051876, R01AG067501). We acknowledge the EFIGA study participants and the EFIGA research and support staff for their contributions to this study.

## Publications

- Honig LS. **Evaluation of Plasma Biomarkers for A/T/N Classification of Alzheimer Disease Among Adults of Caribbean Hispanic Ethnicity.***JAMA network open. 2023 Apr 3.*[PubMed link](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37079306/)