An Emory research study on Alzheimer’s comes to abrupt halt after feds yank funding
Whitney Wharton doesn’t cry much. But Feb. 28 was an exception.
On a Friday night she said she’ll never forget, the Emory University associate professor was informed that her four-year grant for Alzheimer’s research had been canceled. According to an email from the National Institutes of Health, the project “no longer effectuates agency priorities.”
She is one of many university researchers across the state and country to see their federal grants yanked in recent months, killing projects the Trump administration claims promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Wharton says the administration took issue with her grant, awarded in 2021, because it focused on the LGBTQ community, including transgender patients.
Data shows that the LGBTQ community is at higher risk of Alzheimer’s than most, and Wharton says studying a high-risk group is the most efficient way to help all patients battling the disease for which there is currently no cure.
“It will ultimately lower the incidence and prevalence of the disease, which does help the larger community because it’s going to reduce taxpayer dollars,” said Wharton, who was in year three of the award. “We’ve already spent over $1.7 million, so this is going to be a sunk cost for the American taxpayer.”
Of the 1,057 participants in Wharton’s study, 37 were transgender.
Lost grants mean lost jobs, and potentially lost young scientists, who may turn to more stable careers. University of Georgia professor Erin Dolan also lost an NIH grant providing research training to underrepresented groups. “How are you going to train the next generation of researchers without research training grants?” she said.
Georgians react
To gauge the effects of the administration’s first 100 days, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution spoke with residents who have lived with the results. Amid a blitz of executive orders, tariffs, lawsuits, layoffs and funding cuts, they’re exhausted, thrilled, scared, hopeful. Here are their stories:
An Emory research study on Alzheimer’s comes to abrupt halt
Shrimp boat owner hopes tariffs will revive local fishermen
From hopeful foster mom to unemployed CDC worker
Pardoned Jan. 6 defendant wants Democrats punished
Her husband was arrested by immigration agents
DEI rollbacks threaten Atlanta woman’s work
Tariff ‘gloom and doom’ for Atlanta wine seller
Atlanta entrepreneur steers clients through trade war
AJC poll: Trump’s support sinks in Georgia as economic fears rise
Lost grants also mean some disease research comes to a halt, leaving patients high and dry. Wharton, currently working on other grants that haven’t been cancelled, had to take down a webpage that provided resources specifically tailored for LGBTQ Alzheimer’s patients.
“Limiting the care or resources for a group that is more at risk for a disease than other groups. How is that going to benefit all Americans?” Wharton asked.
More coverage of Trump’s effects on Georgia
The first 100 days: Georgians are scared, thrilled about changes
CDC cuts factor into Georgia Senate race
More logging in Georgia’s national forests? It’s possible under a new directive
After layoffs, federal employees navigate uncertain job market
Afraid of church: Some immigrant faithful stay away on Sunday
Georgia protests show growing resistance against Trump administration
About the Author
