How socioeconomic factors affect cognitive decline through accelerated aging

Accelerated Epigenetic Aging as a Mechanism in Lifespan Socioeconomic Effects on Midlife Cognitive Decline

NIH-funded research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11049629

This study looks at how a person's financial and social situation throughout their life affects their thinking skills as they get older, especially in middle age, and it aims to find out how these factors might be connected to conditions like Alzheimer's Disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11049629 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how socioeconomic conditions throughout a person's life influence cognitive decline, particularly in midlife. It aims to understand the timing and mechanisms of these effects by examining different models of socioeconomic disadvantage exposure. The study will focus on accelerated epigenetic aging as a biological link between socioeconomic factors and cognitive health. By analyzing data over time, the research seeks to uncover how these factors contribute to conditions like Alzheimer's Disease.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 who have experienced varying levels of socioeconomic disadvantage throughout their lives.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced significant socioeconomic disadvantage may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cognitive decline by addressing socioeconomic factors early in life.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific link between accelerated epigenetic aging and socioeconomic factors has not been extensively tested, related research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive decline.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, 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.
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.