How childhood adversity affects aging and health risks

Childhood Adversity and Biological Mechanisms of Accelerated Aging

NIH-funded research Emma Pendleton Bradley Hospital · NIH-10905770

This study looks at how tough experiences in childhood, like abuse or trauma, can affect your health as you get older, especially how they might speed up aging and lead to problems like obesity and heart disease, with the hope of finding new ways to help those who have gone through these challenges.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmma Pendleton Bradley Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Riverside, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10905770 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how early life adversities, such as maltreatment and trauma, impact biological aging and health outcomes later in life. It focuses on the role of mitochondrial function and DNA alterations as potential mechanisms linking childhood stress to increased risks of diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues. By analyzing data from a longitudinal study, the research aims to uncover the biological pathways that contribute to accelerated aging in individuals who experienced early adversity. The findings could lead to new prevention and treatment strategies for those affected.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who experienced childhood maltreatment or trauma and are now facing health challenges.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced significant childhood adversity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for health issues related to childhood adversity.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between childhood adversity and health outcomes, suggesting that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Riverside, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.