How personality affects cognitive aging and dementia risk

The role of personality in cognitive aging and dementia

NIH-funded research State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-10550123

This study is looking at how certain personality traits, like being more anxious or outgoing, might be linked to memory problems and dementia, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how our everyday feelings and social habits could help us spot early signs of cognitive decline.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stony Brook, United States)
Project IDNIH-10550123 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between personality traits, specifically Neuroticism and Extraversion, and cognitive decline, including dementia. It aims to understand how changes in personality can indicate the onset of dementia and how these traits may serve as risk factors for cognitive decline. By utilizing daily life assessments of emotions, thoughts, and social interactions, the study seeks to provide a more nuanced understanding of personality's role in cognitive health. This approach moves beyond traditional broad surveys to capture more specific behavioral patterns that could be modified to reduce dementia risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who may be experiencing changes in their cognitive function or personality traits.

Not a fit: Patients with stable cognitive function and no significant personality changes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for early detection and prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that personality traits can influence cognitive health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Stony Brook, 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.
Conditions Diabetes Mellitusdiabetes
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.