How Decision Making Changes in Early Alzheimer's Disease
Epidemiologic Study of Decision Making in Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease
This research explores how older adults make decisions, particularly in financial and health matters, and how these abilities might change with early signs of Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rush University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11006300 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Older adults often face tough decisions, and sometimes their ability to make good choices declines, even before memory problems are obvious. This project looks at why some older adults, including those who seem cognitively healthy, might make poor decisions and be vulnerable to scams. Researchers are following over 1,300 older adults annually, observing their financial and health decision-making skills. They are also examining brain changes, like those seen in Alzheimer's disease, to understand how these changes might affect decision-making. The goal is to understand the link between decision-making abilities, brain health, and the risk of developing conditions like dementia.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are older adults interested in understanding how decision-making abilities change with age and in relation to brain health.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in participating in observational studies focused on cognitive and decision-making changes may not directly benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand why decision-making changes in older adults and potentially identify those at risk for poor decisions or future dementia earlier.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on initial findings from the same research team, which reported that poor decision-making is linked to increased risk of dementia and brain changes.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Rush University Medical Center — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boyle, Patricia a — Rush University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Boyle, Patricia 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.