How reproductive history affects brain health in older women
Official title: Reproductive history and later-life brain health: The Bogalusa Heart Study
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-10736169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like pregnancy and breastfeeding might affect brain health in women as they get older, especially in relation to Alzheimer's and other memory problems, to see if these experiences can help predict or change the risk of developing cognitive issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,258,605 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG075769-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10736169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women with a history of pregnancy and breastfeeding who are at risk for cognitive decline or Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are men or women without a significant reproductive history may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between women's reproductive history and their brain health in later life, particularly focusing on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD). It examines how factors such as pregnancy and breastfeeding may influence metabolic health and cognitive decline. By analyzing data from a diverse group of women, the study aims to identify whether reproductive factors can predict or modify the risk of developing cognitive issues and Alzheimer's disease. The research utilizes cognitive assessments, MRI, and PET scans to explore these connections.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that reproductive factors can influence metabolic health, but this specific approach to studying their impact on brain health is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Harville, Emily Wheeler — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Harville, Emily Wheeler
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.