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-11081953 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely might affect the brains of older adults who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease, hoping to find clues that could help us understand and predict changes in brain health.
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) | $134,681 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG068563-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11081953 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those experiencing feelings of loneliness or at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing loneliness or who are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease 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 influence brain structure and function, potentially serving as an early indicator of cognitive decline. The study will utilize a large population data sample to analyze the effects of loneliness on brain health and identify patterns that could predict Alzheimer's progression. By examining these connections, the research seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms linking loneliness to dementia risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or delaying Alzheimer's disease by addressing loneliness in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a connection between loneliness and cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into Alzheimer's disease progression.
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.