Exploring how helping others may improve cognitive function and reduce Alzheimer's risk in older adults.
Official title: Helping Behaviors and Cognitive Functioning in Later Life: Linkages with Genetic Risks for Alzheimer's Disease and Disadvantaged Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10933545 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how helping others, like volunteering or lending a hand, can boost brain health in older adults, especially in African American communities, to see if these good deeds might help prevent or slow down Alzheimer's Disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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 30, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $192,022 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG079122-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933545 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly those from African American communities, who are interested in participating in helping behaviors or community service.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not engaged in community activities or who do not have a risk for Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between helping behaviors, such as volunteering and informal assistance, and cognitive functioning in older adults, particularly focusing on African American communities. The study aims to identify how engaging in prosocial activities may serve as a public health intervention to prevent or delay Alzheimer's Disease. By examining both formal and informal helping behaviors, the research seeks to uncover evidence that supports the cognitive benefits of these activities. Participants may be involved in various community engagement activities to assess their impact on cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide insights into how community engagement and helping behaviors can reduce the risk or delay the onset of Alzheimer's Disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results linking volunteering and cognitive outcomes, although this specific focus on informal helping behaviors is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Sae Hwang — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Han, Sae Hwang
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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.