Do cash payments slow biological aging and lower Alzheimer’s risk?
Testing effects of cash transfers on biological aging and risk for Alzheimer's Disease
Researchers will see if giving regular cash payments to adults in low-resource communities in sub-Saharan Africa slows biological aging and reduces early signs of Alzheimer’s risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11390467 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses dried bloodspot samples from 4,000 adults enrolled in a randomized cash-transfer program to measure epigenetic "clock" markers and immune-aging signals. Scientists will compare those markers over time between people who received unconditional cash transfers and those who did not to detect changes in the pace of biological aging. They will also link these aging measures to early Alzheimer’s risk factors and simple tests of thinking and daily functioning. The work focuses on adults (21+) in low-resource communities in sub-Saharan Africa to understand effects in that setting.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 21 and older living in the low-resource sub-Saharan African communities enrolled in the randomized cash-transfer program who can provide dried bloodspot samples.
Not a fit: People outside the trial setting—such as individuals in high-resource countries, those under age 21, or anyone not enrolled in the cash-transfer program—are unlikely to receive direct benefits from this specific study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could show that straightforward cash support slows biological aging and lowers future Alzheimer’s risk, informing policies that improve long-term brain health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous cash-transfer programs have improved survival and some health outcomes, but using epigenetic clocks and immune-aging markers to link cash transfers to slowed biological aging and Alzheimer’s risk is relatively new and untested.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aiello, Allison E — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Aiello, Allison E
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 below.