Exploring how social environments and health factors affect cognitive aging and Alzheimer's disease.

Integrating the Social Context, Sensory Functioning, and Inflammation in a Longitudinal Study of Cognitive Aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias

NIH-funded research Boston College · NIH-10896353

This study is looking at how your social life and neighborhood can affect memory and thinking skills as we age, especially for those with Alzheimer's, and it wants to see how things like your senses and inflammation play a role in this process.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston College NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chestnut Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10896353 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the impact of social contexts, such as social networks and neighborhood environments, on cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how sensory functioning and inflammation interact with these social factors over time. By using innovative survey methods, the study will collect data on participants' cognitive abilities, sensory health, and social interactions to identify patterns that may influence the progression of cognitive impairments. The goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of how social and physiological factors contribute to cognitive aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing cognitive decline or at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease or those who do not have any cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for delaying cognitive decline and improving the quality of life for individuals at risk of Alzheimer's disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between social complexity and cognitive health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Chestnut Hill, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer's disease and related dementiaAlzheimer's disease and related disordersAlzheimer's disease diagnosisAlzheimer's disease or a related dementiaAlzheimer's disease or a related disorder
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.