How Childhood Experiences and Neighborhoods Affect Thinking Skills and Dementia Risk Later in Life
Associations of Adverse Childhood Experiences with Midlife Neighborhood Deprivation and Cognitive Trajectories and Dementia Outcomes in Later Life
This project looks at how difficult experiences in childhood and living in disadvantaged neighborhoods during midlife might affect memory and thinking skills, and the risk of dementia as people get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261274 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to understand how challenging childhood experiences and the conditions of neighborhoods in adulthood might influence brain health and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) later in life. We want to see how these factors accumulate over a person's lifetime, especially for Black and Hispanic/Latino older adults who face higher risks. By identifying these early life and environmental risk factors, we hope to find ways to reduce the chances of developing ADRD for vulnerable populations. This work will help us develop more targeted interventions to support brain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research focuses on understanding risk factors in adults aged 21 and older, particularly those 65 and older, who may have experienced adverse childhood events or lived in deprived neighborhoods.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment or direct clinical intervention for existing dementia will not directly benefit from this observational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify early life and environmental factors that increase dementia risk, leading to new strategies for prevention and intervention, especially for communities disproportionately affected.
How similar studies have performed: While some international studies suggest a link between childhood adversity and dementia, U.S.-based research on this topic is still emerging and has shown mixed results, making this a crucial area for further understanding.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Adrienne R.s. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Lee, Adrienne R.s.
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.