How neighborhood factors affect cognitive health and dementia risk in diverse populations
Contribution of Longitudinal Neighborhood Determinants to Cognitive Health and Dementia Disparities within a Multi-Ethnic Cohort
This study looks at how the neighborhoods we live in can affect brain health and the risk of Alzheimer's and related conditions, especially for African American and Hispanic communities, to find ways to improve health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Drexel University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11045001 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the social and built environments of neighborhoods influence cognitive health and the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD), particularly among African American and Hispanic populations. By analyzing extensive data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), the study aims to identify patterns of neighborhood change that may contribute to disparities in cognitive decline. The research will involve collecting and processing new neighborhood data to better understand these associations and their implications for health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals from African American and Hispanic backgrounds who are at risk for Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to the targeted ethnic groups or those without risk factors for ADRD may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that improve cognitive health and reduce dementia risk in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been limited research on neighborhood factors and ADRD disparities, this approach is innovative and aims to fill significant gaps in existing literature.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Drexel University — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirsch, Jana Ariel — Drexel University
- Study coordinator: Hirsch, Jana Ariel
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 below.