Exploring how lifetime stressors and genetics affect cognitive decline in Black women.
Official title: Lifetime stressors and Alzheimer's Disease genetic variants and biomarkers in relation to cognitive decline among Black Women'sHealth Study participants.
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11035118 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress, genetics, and certain health markers might affect memory and thinking skills in Black women aged 55 and older, and it involves sharing blood samples and filling out questionnaires to help us learn more about these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $4,585,411 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082046-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11035118 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black women aged 55 and older who are interested in understanding their cognitive health and contributing to research on Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black women or those under the age of 55 may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between lifetime stressors, genetic variants, and biomarkers related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) among Black women aged 55 and older. By analyzing data from the Black Women’s Health Study, which includes extensive information on social, psychological, and physical stressors, the study aims to identify factors that contribute to cognitive decline. Participants will provide blood samples and complete questionnaires to help researchers understand how these factors interact with genetic predispositions to influence cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and interventions for cognitive decline in Black women at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has highlighted the importance of social and environmental factors in cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights, although the specific focus on Black women is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenberg, Lynn — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Rosenberg, Lynn
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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.