Exploring how midlife social factors may influence cognitive decline linked to early life disadvantages.
Official title: IDENTIFYING MIDLIFE SOCIAL EXPOSURES THAT MIGHT MODIFY RISK FOR COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY LIFE DISADVANTAGE
Funded at National Academy of Sciences · NIH-10947382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how social experiences in middle age might affect the risk of memory problems later on, especially for those who had tough times growing up, and it hopes to find ways to help protect against issues like Alzheimer's disease by learning from your life stories and social connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | National Academy of Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2023 |
| Project end | August 8, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $325,000 |
| NIH project number | 263201800029I-0-759802300014-1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in midlife who have experienced early-life disadvantages and are concerned about cognitive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced early-life disadvantages or who are already diagnosed with advanced cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between social exposures in midlife and the risk of cognitive impairment, particularly in individuals who faced disadvantages during early life. By analyzing various social factors, the study aims to identify potential protective elements that could mitigate cognitive decline associated with conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Participants may be asked to share their life experiences and social interactions to help researchers understand these connections better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that enhance cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the impact of social factors on cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
National Academy of Sciences
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spruth, David — National Academy of Sciences
- Study coordinator: Spruth, David
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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.