How life changes affect dementia risk in older immigrants

Life-course acculturation trajectories and dementia in a multi-ethnic cohort of older adults: The MESA Acculturation and dementia Study

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10976934

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 typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10976934 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and over who are immigrants or have immigrant backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who are not immigrants or are younger than 65 years old may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

New York, 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.
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.