How neighborhood environments affect Alzheimer's risk in Hispanic older adults
Official title: Associations between neighborhood environments across the life course and Alzheimer's disease and related dementia outcomes among Hispanic older adults born in and outside the US
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10976643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the neighborhoods where Hispanic older adults live might affect their chances of developing Alzheimer's and related dementias, especially comparing those born in the U.S. to those born elsewhere, and it will include personal stories to better understand these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $205,030 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089003-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10976643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Hispanic older adults aged 50 and above, particularly those who have lived in diverse neighborhoods in South Florida.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Hispanic or those under the age of 50 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of neighborhood environments on the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among Hispanic older adults. It focuses on understanding how social and built environments throughout a person's life influence cognitive health, particularly comparing those born in the US to those born outside. The study will analyze data from a diverse group of Hispanic participants aged 50 and older and include interviews to gather personal experiences related to their neighborhoods and health. By exploring these factors, the research aims to identify specific environmental influences on ADRD risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that improve neighborhood conditions and reduce Alzheimer's risk for Hispanic older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between neighborhood environments and cognitive health, particularly among diverse populations.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Besser, Lilah — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Besser, Lilah
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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.