Exploring how perceived discrimination in young adulthood affects cognitive health in later life
Official title: Later Life Dementia: Links with General and Specific Discrimination in Emerging Adulthood
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10790354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how feeling discriminated against when you’re young might affect your memory and thinking skills as you get older, especially by the time you reach your 70s, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how life experiences can impact brain health later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $444,331 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG085067-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10790354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experienced perceived discrimination in their younger years and are now in their late adulthood.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced significant perceived discrimination or who are not in the later stages of life may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between perceived discrimination experienced in emerging adulthood and cognitive impairment in later life, particularly focusing on memory issues. By analyzing data from a long-term follow-up of individuals who were part of a national cohort, the study aims to uncover how experiences of discrimination at age 29 may correlate with the development of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders by age 76. The methodology includes examining historical data and health records to identify patterns and potential biases in cognitive health outcomes. This approach seeks to provide a deeper understanding of how life experiences influence cognitive decline in older adults.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for cognitive health in older adults, particularly those who have faced discrimination.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown associations between perceived discrimination and cognitive decline, but this research aims to explore these links over a longer timeframe, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chapman, Benjamin P — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Chapman, Benjamin P
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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.