ADSP Data
The ADSP dataset contains cleaned, quality control checked genome sequence data from study participants with broad representation of global genetic ancestry. Accompanying phenotypes such as AD disease status, age of onset, and demographic variables are also available for a majority of participants. Additional harmonized phenotypes including neuropathological findings, biomarkers, imaging, cardiovascular traits, and cognitive measures are available for subsets of study participants.
Detailed descriptions of the dataset, variables, and the study cohorts are available at the following resources:
- ADSP Umbrella Dataset NG00067
- GCAD Sequencing Data Production
- ADSP Phenotype Harmonization Consortium (PHC) Data
- PHC Freeze 4 - Table of sample sizes by phenotype domain
Accessing ADSP data
Researchers from the scientific community can apply for controlled access to ADSP data via the NIAGADS Data Sharing Service (DSS). Applicants should submit a Data Access Request (DAR) for ADSP Umbrella Dataset NG00067 by following the Application Instructions from NIAGADS. We recommend watching the How to Submit a Data Access Request (DAR) Video Tutorial on the NIAGADS YouTube channel prior to beginning your application. Additional information can be found on the NIAGADS FAQs: Accessing Data in NIAGADS and DSS.
NIAGADS DSS has moved to NIH Researcher Auth Service (RAS) login as of July 22, 2026. All DSS users will now sign in through RAS using either login.gov or ID.me. Please see NIAGADS documentation on DSS Login Instructions for more information.
Data News
NIAGADS has notified approved users and data downloaders about changes to file availability in the ADSP Umbrella Dataset (NG00067) that will take effect with the Round 6 (R6) WGS release later this year.
Beginning with R6:
- Individual-level gVCFs will no longer be routinely distributed. R6 gVCFs will not be included in regular distribution, and previously released individual-level gVCFs will be moved to archive storage.
- Selected files from older ADSP releases will also be archived. To help manage long-term storage costs, NIAGADS has reviewed and determined which older joint-called datasets should remain in active distribution.
This table (downloads .xls) summarizes which existing ADSP release files will remain in active distribution and which will be moved to archive storage. Individual-level gVCFs are not included in the table.
Archived files will not be deleted and may be made available by request. If you expect to need files that will no longer be routinely available, we encourage you to download them before the R6 release.
Please contact the NIAGADS DSS Team with any questions.
The National Institute on Aging Genetics of Alzheimer’s Disease Data Storage Site (NIAGADS), operated by the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, was recently recognized as a 2026 AWS Champion. The AWS Champions Awards honor Amazon Web Services (AWS) customers who are setting new standards for innovation in the public sector and education. NIAGADS was recognized for building a cloud-native genomic data platform that allows researchers around the world to collaborate on the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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 workflow called VCPA (Variant Calling Pipeline and data management tool), a functionally equivalent CCDG/TOPMed pipeline.
The fourth release from the Alzheimer’s Disease Sequencing Project Phenotype Harmonization Consortium (ADSP-PHC), which includes harmonized phenotypes for ADSP participants with sequencing, is available in the ADSP Umbrella Dataset (NG00067v20). Importantly, this release includes harmonized diagnosis and plasma biomarkers for the first time. Existing users with approval for NG00067 will have access to PHC release 4 in alignment with their approved consent levels.
Visit the NIAGADS DSS News page for more data-related news.