Exploring a walking and reminiscence program to support brain health in Black American communities
Official title: The SHARP Study: Developing Acceptability, Feasibility, and Fidelity of a Reminiscence-based Cognitive Health Intervention Across Three Black American Communities
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10949791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a fun walking program called SHARP for older Black adults, where you'll stroll with others while sharing memories and looking at neighborhood photos on a mobile app, all to help boost your brain health and make new friends.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $132,570 |
| NIH project number | 1K01AG088473-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older Black adults who are interested in maintaining or improving their cognitive health through social activities.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the Black American community or those who are not interested in reminiscence activities may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on a program called SHARP, which engages older Black adults in walking and sharing memories to enhance cognitive health and social connections. Participants will use a mobile app to access historical images related to their neighborhoods, prompting discussions as they walk in groups. The study aims to adapt the program to fit the cultural and environmental needs of different communities, ensuring it is effective and well-received. Community members will be actively involved in shaping the program through engagement sessions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve cognitive health and social engagement among older Black adults, potentially delaying the onset of dementia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using reminiscence therapy have shown positive outcomes in cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may be effective in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Croff, Raina L — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Croff, Raina L
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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.