Exploring how having a purpose in life can help maintain cognitive health and reduce Alzheimer's risk
Purpose in life: Mechanisms to support healthier cognitive aging and reduce risk of Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at how having a sense of purpose in life, like meaningful goals and activities, might help keep your brain healthy and lower the chances of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias, and it's for anyone interested in improving their cognitive health through engaging activities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115599 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the concept of 'purpose in life' and its potential to enhance cognitive health and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It examines how having meaningful goals and activities can lead to healthier behaviors, such as increased physical activity and reduced smoking, which in turn may contribute to better cognitive outcomes. The study aims to identify mechanisms through which purpose in life can be cultivated and its effects measured, potentially offering new interventions for cognitive health. Participants may engage in activities designed to enhance their sense of purpose and monitor changes in cognitive function over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are interested in enhancing their cognitive health and reducing their risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Not a fit: Patients who are currently diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new strategies for improving cognitive health and reducing the risk of Alzheimer's disease in individuals.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that interventions aimed at increasing purpose in life can lead to improved cognitive outcomes, suggesting a promising avenue for this research.
Where this research is happening
Tallahassee, United States
- Florida State University — Tallahassee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sutin, Angelina R — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Sutin, Angelina R
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.