How loneliness affects brain aging and Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Investigating the impact of loneliness on brain aging and pre-symptomatic Alzheimer's disease progression
Funded at Mcgill University · NIH-10836473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely might affect brain health as we age, especially for older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's, to help us understand if loneliness can lead to changes in the brain and speed up memory problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mcgill University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Montreal, Canada) |
| Project start | September 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $335,935 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG068563-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10836473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing feelings of loneliness or those at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing loneliness or do not have any cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between feelings of loneliness and brain aging, particularly in older adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease. It aims to understand how loneliness may signal early brain changes and potentially accelerate the progression of cognitive decline. By analyzing data from a large population sample, the study will explore how loneliness interacts with brain structure and function, providing insights into its impact on cognitive health. Participants may contribute to identifying normative and non-normative brain aging trajectories associated with loneliness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for mitigating Alzheimer's disease risk by addressing loneliness in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between loneliness and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Mcgill University
Montreal, Canada Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spreng, Robert Nathan — Mcgill University
- Study coordinator: Spreng, Robert Nathan
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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.