How age-related immune changes and social factors relate to dementia risk
Immunosenescence, socioeconomic differences and dementia in the US aging population
Researchers will look at whether aging-related changes in the immune system and social conditions are linked to memory decline and dementia in older U.S. adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232284 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of a national effort that follows older adults over time to see how immune system aging (peripheral immunosenescence) relates to thinking problems and dementia. The team measures immune markers in blood, collects information about socioeconomic and social factors, and gives standardized cognitive tests across multiple visits. Because the project uses a nationally representative sample, it aims to show whether immune changes predict future decline and whether social factors change that risk. Findings come from linking biological samples, cognitive testing, and health records to diagnose Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. older adults willing to provide blood samples, complete cognitive testing and health questionnaires, and take part in follow-up visits.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for dementia or those not included in the study’s sampling frame (for example, younger adults or those unwilling to provide blood samples) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify immune signals and social factors that help find people at higher risk for dementia earlier and guide prevention or tailored care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked immune-aging markers to cognitive decline, but long-term, nationally representative evidence connecting peripheral immunosenescence to new dementia cases is limited.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noppert, Grace a — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Noppert, Grace a
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.