# Employment and Insurance Discrimination Based on Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease

> **NIH NIH K01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · 2021 · $130,424

## Abstract

SUMMARY AND ABSTRACT
In this Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (K01), the applicant requests research and salary
support to provide protected time and dedicated training to develop anti-discrimination strategies tailored to
neuropathological biomarkers in Alzheimer’s disease. The long-term career goal is to become a leading
researcher that integrates law, ethics, and neuroscience to resolve legal and ethical dilemmas that arise in
neurological diseases. The proposed study and training will enable the candidate to execute research studies
that generate standards for pre- and post- test counseling for biomarker testing and disclosure; measure the
impact of law and policy on research and treatment of neurological diseases; and translate evidence based
research to inform policy, social, and clinical practices. While the candidate has notable achievements in her
field, to become an independent research she needs training to develop (1) research and biostatistical
methods skills; (2) a fluency in neurological diseases; and (3) an implementation science skillset to translate
research results into policy, social and practice changes. Criteria for successful achievement of training goals
include: completion of training activities; submission of a competitive R01 application; publication targets
consistent with project goals in legal, policy, and medical journals; and capabilities to independently conduct
qualitative, empirical legal, and health services research.
Diagnostic criteria define Alzheimer’s disease that begins with neuropathological biomarkers including positron
emission tomography imaging or cerebrospinal fluid analysis to measure amyloid or tau. Biomarkers,
detectable up to 20 years prior to symptom onset, are essential to advancing research that targets intervention
in advance of clinical symptoms. Yet, biomarkers expose patients and research participants to insurance and
employment discrimination risks based on biomarker status. There is a critical need for evidence-based
research to inform proactive anti-discrimination protections. The proposed study uses validated research
methods drawn from qualitative, empirical legal, and quantitative research to achieve the following specific
aims: Aim 1: Assess discrimination risks related to an AD diagnosis through interviews with family members of
patients with early age-of-onset AD. Aim 2: Determine and strengthen existing anti-discrimination protections
based on identified risks and patient experiences related to AD biomarkers. Aim 3: Study the feasibility and
effectiveness of implementing proposed anti-discrimination protections within current policy and clinical
constructs.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10202469
- **Project number:** 5K01AG057796-04
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- **Principal Investigator:** Jalayne J Arias
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $130,424
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2021-10-16

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10202469

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10202469, Employment and Insurance Discrimination Based on Biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (5K01AG057796-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10202469. Licensed CC0.

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