Exploring how urban African Americans age and what affects their health and cognition.

Understanding the Aging Process of Urban African Americans Across the Life Course: Identifying Early Risk and Protection for Cognition and Health in Midlife

NIH-funded research Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10460949

This study looks at how growing up and living in the city affects the health of African Americans as they age, focusing on what helps or harms their mental and physical well-being as they approach 60, so we can better understand how to support healthy aging in this community.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (College Park, United States)
Project IDNIH-10460949 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the aging process of urban African Americans by examining their life experiences from childhood through midlife. It aims to identify early risk factors and protective elements that influence cognitive and physical health as individuals reach age 60. By following a community cohort over several decades, the study collects data on various aspects of health, including mental, social, and functional well-being. The findings will help understand how life stressors and protective factors contribute to successful aging in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are urban African Americans who are currently around age 60 or have been part of the Woodlawn cohort since childhood.

Not a fit: Patients who are not urban African Americans or those who are not part of the Woodlawn cohort may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and targeted interventions for urban African Americans as they age.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding health disparities among minority populations, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

College Park, 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.