NIH-funded research R01 grant

Exploring how biological and lifestyle factors affect Alzheimer's disease in Black women.

Official title: Understanding Biological and Lifestyle Contributions to Alzheimer's Disease Pathology and Clinical Profiles in Black Women: Defining Prevention Targets in High Risk Groups

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10980511 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how things like inflammation and physical activity affect memory and thinking skills in older Black women with Alzheimer's disease, to find ways to help them stay sharp longer.

More s Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startDecember 15, 2022
Project endNovember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$693,005
NIH project number5R01AG077579-03
Project IDNIH-10980511 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are older Black women who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not Black or who do not fall within the older age range may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the unique contributions of biological and lifestyle factors to Alzheimer's disease (AD) in older Black women, a group that has been historically underrepresented in AD research. The study focuses on how inflammation and physical activity may influence tau protein accumulation and cognitive decline. By examining these factors, the research aims to identify modifiable risk and protective elements that could help delay or prevent cognitive decline in this high-risk population. Participants will be involved in assessments that explore these relationships over the course of the study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease specifically tailored for Black women.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of lifestyle factors on Alzheimer's disease, but this specific focus on Black women is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Banks, Sarah — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Banks, Sarah

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.