Extreme weather links to brain changes tied to Alzheimer's
Network biology-based markers of extreme weather-induced neurodegeneration
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11381571
Researchers will look for biological signs that extreme weather events make Alzheimer's-related brain changes worse using blood and brain-derived samples from older adults and laboratory models.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11381571 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project combines samples from a New York City group of older adults with lab animal experiments to find how extreme weather affects brain aging and Alzheimer’s biology. Scientists will analyze blood plasma and brain-derived extracellular vesicles using multi-omic methods and network biology across species. They will link those molecular patterns to a New York City Extreme Weather Index and to clinical measures of cognition collected in the cohort. The goal is to build models that reveal pathways by which severe weather and temperature swings might accelerate age-related neurodegeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older New York City residents enrolled in the cohort who have Alzheimer’s-related cognitive changes or age-related neurodegeneration and can provide blood samples and health information.
Not a fit: People without age-related cognitive concerns, those not enrolled or living outside the NYC cohort area, or those unable to give biological samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biomarkers and biological pathways that help prevent or lessen weather-related worsening of Alzheimer's, guiding future treatments and protective strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While prior research links extreme weather to worse health and aging, combining human extracellular vesicle data, multi-omics, and multi-species network biology for Alzheimer's is a relatively novel approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MILLER, GARY W — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: MILLER, GARY W
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 below.
Conditions: Alzheimer disease dementia, Alzheimer syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease