How conscientious, caring interactions may protect thinking skills as we age
Official title: A mechanistic and dyadic approach to identify how interpersonal conscientiousness supports cognitive health and lowers risk of dementia
Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11463371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at Florida State University is exploring how a person’s everyday conscientious, responsible behavior and interactions with others might help protect thinking skills and reduce dementia risk in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tallahassee, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,438,931 |
| NIH project number | 4RF1AG083878-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11463371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults aged 21 and older, especially those at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without engaging in social interactions or who do not show links between personality, social behavior, and cognition may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This study looks at how interpersonal conscientiousness—being dutiful and responsible in social interactions—relates to staying cognitively healthy as people age. Researchers will use existing data and new assessments to understand if and how this personality trait protects against dementia. The project aims to identify actionable factors that could inform prevention strategies before dementia begins. Results could guide interventions that emphasize healthy social engagement and personal responsibility to support brain health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform prevention strategies that help people maintain cognitive health through better social and personal habits.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has replicated protective links between conscientiousness and better health outcomes, with recent work highlighting interpersonal aspects as relevant to cognition.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida State University
Tallahassee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sutin, Angelina R — Florida State University
- Study coordinator: Sutin, Angelina R
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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.