Examining how living in deprived neighborhoods affects Alzheimer's disease and vascular health.
Using a Natural Experiment to Evaluate the Long-Term Effects of Neighborhood Deprivation on Alzheimer's Disease and Vascular Risk Factors
This study looks at how living in less advantaged neighborhoods might affect the risk of developing Alzheimer's and other health issues, especially for racial minorities, by using data from a unique situation in Denmark where refugees were placed in different neighborhoods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10988546 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of neighborhood deprivation on Alzheimer's disease and vascular risk factors, particularly focusing on racial minorities who are disproportionately affected. By utilizing a unique natural experiment from Denmark, where refugees were quasi-randomly assigned to different neighborhoods, the study aims to uncover whether living in deprived areas contributes to the development of Alzheimer's and related conditions. The research will analyze data collected over 30 years to identify potential modifiable factors that could influence health outcomes. This approach seeks to clarify the relationship between socioeconomic status and cognitive health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods, particularly those from racial minority backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in deprived neighborhoods or who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how neighborhood conditions impact Alzheimer's disease risk, potentially informing public health interventions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between neighborhood conditions and health outcomes, but this study's quasi-experimental design is a novel approach to understanding these effects.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamad, Rita — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Hamad, Rita
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.