Examining how segregation and vascular health affect cognitive decline in older Black adults
Official title: The impact of segregation and the mediating effects of vascular risk on 10-year cognitive and functional outcomes in Black/African American older adults enrolled in the ACTIVE study
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10791382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how living in segregated communities and having heart health issues might affect the thinking and daily activities of older Black/African American adults over ten years, to better understand how racism and discrimination can lead to health differences, especially related to Alzheimer's and similar conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $329,056 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG085241-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10791382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black/African American older adults who are concerned about their cognitive health and are enrolled in the ACTIVE study.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black/African American or who do not have concerns about cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how community segregation and vascular health risks contribute to cognitive decline and functional impairments in Black/African American older adults over a ten-year period. By analyzing data from the ACTIVE study, the research aims to understand the role of structural racism and discrimination in exacerbating health disparities. The study employs a multi-dimensional approach, looking at both social factors like segregation and biological factors such as cardiovascular health to assess their impact on cognitive and functional aging. Participants will be evaluated on their cognitive performance and everyday functioning to identify critical pathways that lead to disparities in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that improve cognitive health and functional outcomes for older Black adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing social determinants of health can lead to improved outcomes in similar populations, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clark, Alexandra Leigh — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Clark, Alexandra Leigh
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.