Effects of a natural disaster on the cognitive health of older adults
Long-term Effects of a Natural Disaster on Cognitive Aging, Dementia, Health and Well-being of Older Adults
This study looks at how the stress from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami has affected the thinking, health, and happiness of older adults in Indonesia over the past 20 years, focusing on their personal experiences and how support from family and community helps them cope and recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10845523 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the long-term exposure to stressors from the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami affects the cognitive performance, physical health, and overall well-being of older adults in Indonesia. By analyzing data from approximately 12,000 older individuals collected over 20 years, the study aims to understand the varying impacts based on personal experiences during the disaster, such as loss of family or economic stability. The research will also explore resilience and recovery factors among these individuals, providing insights into how community and family resources contribute to their health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults (over 40 years) who experienced the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia.
Not a fit: Patients who did not experience the tsunami or are younger than 40 years may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for cognitive aging and health in older adults affected by natural disasters.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that natural disasters can have significant long-term effects on mental and physical health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frankenberg, Elizabeth a — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Frankenberg, Elizabeth a
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.