How air pollution affects Alzheimer's disease risk in different racial and ethnic groups
Official title: The contribution of air pollution to racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: An application of causal inference methods
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10821425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution might increase the risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, especially for Mexican Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites, to help everyone understand how the environment affects brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $126,387 |
| NIH project number | 5K99AG081453-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10821425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults from racial and ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Mexican Americans, who may be at higher risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not belong to racial or ethnic minority groups or those who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the link between air pollution and the increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among racial and ethnic minorities, particularly focusing on Mexican Americans compared to non-Hispanic Whites. By analyzing data from two existing cohort studies, the researchers aim to quantify how air pollution contributes to cognitive decline disparities. The study will explore variations in air pollution exposure and its impact on dementia risk across different communities, potentially informing future air quality regulations. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of environmental factors influencing their health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health policies that reduce air pollution and its associated risks for Alzheimer's disease in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between air pollution and cognitive decline, suggesting that this research builds on established findings but aims to provide new insights into racial and ethnic disparities.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ilango, Sindana — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Ilango, Sindana
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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.