Earlier-life predictors of midlife dementia risk over 35 years

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

Researchers will track long-term trajectories of stress exposures, sleep patterns, and related health factors from childhood through early adulthood in two largely African American cohorts. They will examine how adverse life events, mental health symptoms, and sleep quality relate to midlife risks such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes that are connected to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The study uses existing data collected since childhood (ages 6 to ~32) and continues follow-up to age 41-45, focusing on how early experiences may predict later brain health. This work aims to identify modifiable life-course factors that could reduce dementia risk in diverse populations. Findings could inform early prevention strategies tailored to communities with higher dementia risk.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Johns Hopkins University
  Baltimore, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Rebok, George W. — Johns Hopkins University
• Study coordinator: Rebok, George W.

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About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.