How life changes affect dementia risk in older immigrants
Official title: Life-course acculturation trajectories and dementia in a multi-ethnic cohort of older adults: The MESA Acculturation and dementia Study
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10976934 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how adjusting to life in the U.S. affects the chances of older immigrants developing Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, helping us understand how their experiences and social connections might influence their brain health over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $460,844 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089014-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976934 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who are immigrants or have immigrant backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not immigrants or are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the process of acculturation, or adapting to U.S. social norms, impacts the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias among older immigrants. By examining the life-course trajectories of these individuals, the study aims to understand the complex interplay of social and contextual factors that influence cognitive health. Utilizing comprehensive, longitudinal data, the research will explore how different levels of integration into American society can affect biological aging and dementia risk over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and strategies for reducing dementia risk among older immigrant populations.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored the relationship between acculturation and health outcomes, this research takes a novel approach by focusing specifically on dementia risk among older immigrants.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Albrecht, Sandra S — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Albrecht, Sandra S
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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.