Exploring how perceived discrimination in young adulthood affects cognitive health in later life

Later Life Dementia: Links with General and Specific Discrimination in Emerging Adulthood

NIH-funded research University of Rochester · NIH-10790354

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-10790354 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experienced perceived discrimination in their younger years and are now in their late adulthood.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced significant perceived discrimination or who are not in the later stages of life may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Rochester, 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.
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.