How lifetime stress affects cognitive aging in people with HIV, focusing on racial differences.

Effects of lifetime stress on cognitive aging in the context of HIV-infection: Identifying sources of racial disparities

NIH-funded research University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10669456

This study is looking at how stress throughout life affects thinking and memory in older adults with HIV, especially focusing on African Americans, to understand why they might face more challenges in these areas compared to European Americans.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California Los Angeles NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Los Angeles, United States)
Project IDNIH-10669456 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how lifetime stress impacts cognitive aging in older adults living with HIV, particularly focusing on African Americans who may experience worse cognitive outcomes compared to their European American counterparts. The study will analyze cognitive function and brain structure changes over time in a group of 250 participants aged 50 and older, both with and without HIV. By examining the role of stress and inflammation, the research aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms contributing to racial disparities in cognitive health among individuals with HIV.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 50 and above, both HIV-positive and HIV-negative, with a focus on those from African American and European American backgrounds.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 50 or do not have HIV may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for cognitive decline in HIV-infected individuals, particularly among African Americans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that stress and inflammation are linked to cognitive impairment, suggesting that this study's approach could yield valuable insights into cognitive aging in HIV-infected populations.

Where this research is happening

Los Angeles, 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.