Exploring how social activities affect cognitive decline in older adults
Official title: Older Adult Social Participation, Gender, and Cognitive Decline
Funded at California State Univ San Bernardino · NIH-11085169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how staying socially active can help older adults keep their minds sharp, and it wants to find out which activities are the most helpful and if they work differently for men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Univ San Bernardino NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Bernardino, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $182,905 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AG086053-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are interested in understanding how their social interactions may influence their cognitive health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are under the age of 65 or those who are already experiencing severe cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between social participation and cognitive decline in older adults, particularly focusing on how different social activities may impact cognitive health. The study aims to identify which specific social activities are most beneficial and how these effects may vary by gender. By analyzing various forms of social engagement, the research seeks to provide clearer insights into how community involvement can help delay or prevent cognitive decline. Participants will be asked about their social activities and cognitive functioning to establish these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that promote specific social activities to help maintain cognitive health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that social engagement can positively impact cognitive health, suggesting that this study builds on established findings while exploring new dimensions.
Where this research is happening
-
California State Univ San Bernardino
San Bernardino, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vogelsang, Eric — California State Univ San Bernardino
- Study coordinator: Vogelsang, Eric
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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.