How healthcare access policies today affect Alzheimer's disease in the future

Long-term effects of today's medical care access policies on the future burden of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias

NIH-funded research University of Washington · NIH-10974035

This study looks at how healthcare costs and insurance coverage affect people's ability to stick to their medications for conditions like type 2 diabetes, and how this might influence their risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias later on, with the goal of helping create better health policies for healthier aging.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Washington NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10974035 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how current healthcare access policies impact the long-term risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). It focuses on the financial burden patients face, particularly those without insurance or with high deductible plans, and how this affects their ability to adhere to necessary medications for managing conditions like type 2 diabetes. By developing simulation models, the research aims to understand the complex relationships between healthcare costs, medication adherence, and the future burden of ADRD. The findings could inform better health policies that promote healthy aging.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those with limited access to healthcare or those managing chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes.

Not a fit: Patients who are already receiving comprehensive healthcare coverage and have no issues with medication adherence may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare policies that reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and enhance the quality of life for aging individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that healthcare access and cost burdens significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, 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 adult onset diabetesAdult-Onset Diabetes Mellitus
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.