Health and memory in older adults in South Africa
Health, Aging and Dementia in South Africa: A Longitudinal Study (HAALSI)
Following adults in South Africa age 40 and older over many years to link common health conditions and tests to memory changes and dementia risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11382368 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a long-term group of men and women from the Agincourt area who are visited repeatedly by the research team. They collect health surveys, short thinking and memory tests, blood and other biomarkers, and information about deaths. Some participants join an expanded cognitive testing group (HCAP) with more detailed memory and brain-related measures. The project includes people with and without chronic conditions like HIV so researchers can see how these problems relate to thinking and dementia over time.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 40 years and older living in the Agincourt surveillance area of South Africa, including people with HIV and other chronic conditions, are the ideal participants.
Not a fit: People under 40, those living outside the study region, or anyone seeking immediate medical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help spot early signs and risk factors for dementia in South Africa and guide better screening, care, and planning for older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Previous HAALSI waves have successfully collected multiple data waves, and related cohort studies in richer countries have identified dementia risk factors, but this large, long-term effort in a South African setting is relatively unique.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berkman, Lisa F — Harvard University D/b/a Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Berkman, Lisa F
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.