Finding changeable risk factors to prevent Alzheimer's
Improving causal inference in Alzheimer's Disease prevention research on modifiable risk factors: the Triangulation of Innovative Methods to EndAD (TIME-AD) project
This project uses multiple research methods to find which changeable factors—like drinking, depression, hearing or vision problems, and social isolation—affect dementia risk for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11189669 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you care about preventing Alzheimer's, this program combines different kinds of evidence to figure out which everyday issues actually change dementia risk. Researchers will re-analyze existing human datasets and use approaches like genetic and policy 'natural experiments', improved statistical models, and quantitative checks for bias. Four focused projects look at alcohol across the life course, depression and its treatments (including links with chronic pain), vision and hearing problems, and the role of social isolation. The goal is to rule out misleading explanations so guidance for prevention is more reliable.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant include older adults or middle-aged adults concerned about dementia risk, especially those with heavy or changing alcohol use, depression or chronic pain, vision/hearing impairments, or social isolation.
Not a fit: Those already living with advanced symptomatic Alzheimer's disease are unlikely to get direct benefit from this prevention-focused program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify which modifiable behaviors or treatments truly lower dementia risk, helping guide prevention advice and public health policies.
How similar studies have performed: Many observational studies have linked these factors to dementia but are prone to bias, and this triangulation approach is a relatively new way to try to produce more reliable answers.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Glymour, Medellena Maria — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Glymour, Medellena Maria
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.