Cognition and Dementia in Midlife Women: Understanding Alzheimer’s Risk
Official title: Cognition and Dementia
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11421744 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study helps understand how midlife changes in women relate to later risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $748,726 |
| NIH project number | 2U19AG063720-05A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421744 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in midlife (approximately ages 40-64) who are part of or connected to the SWAN cohort and related health data.
✕Less likely to help
Persons outside midlife or those not represented in the SWAN cohort may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses data from a large, ongoing study of women’s health during midlife to identify factors that influence cognitive health as people age. Researchers will examine how hormonal changes, menopause transition, and lifestyle factors in the 40s to 60s relate to brain aging and dementia risk. The study builds on existing data from a diverse group of women across several sites to map how midlife health trajectories predict later cognitive outcomes. Insights could point to windows for prevention and healthier aging for women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of when and how to reduce dementia risk in midlife women could lead to targeted prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: The SWAN study has rich longitudinal data; this renewal aims to translate that into clearer links between midlife factors and cognitive outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karlamangla, Arun S — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Karlamangla, Arun S
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.