Exploring how life experiences can help protect against dementia in older adults in India

Non-educational sources of later-life cognitive reserve and resilience among older adults with and without formal education in India

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10936855

This study looks at how things like having a job, good friendships, and being active in your community can help older adults in India, especially those without formal education, keep their minds sharp and lower the chances of developing Alzheimer's and other memory issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-10936855 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how factors like employment, social relationships, and community engagement can contribute to cognitive reserve in older adults, particularly those without formal education in India. By analyzing cognitive function data and biological markers, the study aims to identify modifiable factors that can help slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The research will focus on a diverse population, aiming to understand how these experiences can provide protective benefits against cognitive impairment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 45 and above living in India, especially those with little to no formal education.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 45 or those with advanced stages of dementia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for enhancing cognitive health and reducing dementia risk in older adults, particularly those with limited educational backgrounds.

How similar studies have performed: While the focus on non-educational sources of cognitive reserve in this specific demographic is novel, similar studies have shown that social and occupational factors can positively influence cognitive health.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Alzheimer's disease and related dementiaAlzheimer's disease and related disordersAlzheimer's disease or a related dementiaAlzheimer's disease or a related disorderAlzheimer's disease or related dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.