How stress and social inequalities affect brain health in adults
EFFECTS OF STRESS, ALLOSTATIC LOAD, AND SOCIAL INEQUITIES ON BRAIN STRUCTURE, FUNCTION, AND COGNITION IN THE EARLY-TO-MIDLIFE TRANSITION
This study is looking at how stress and social challenges affect the brain and thinking skills as people move from early to midlife, especially to see if chronic stress can speed up aging and raise the risk of Alzheimer's disease; it's for adults who want to help us understand how stress impacts brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10909099 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of stress and social inequities on brain structure, function, and cognition during the transition from early to midlife. It focuses on how chronic stress can lead to biological aging and increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By studying a diverse group of adults over time, the research aims to understand the mechanisms through which stress affects brain health and contributes to cognitive decline. Participants may undergo assessments of their stress levels, brain imaging, and cognitive testing to gather comprehensive data.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience varying levels of stress and social inequities.
Not a fit: Patients who are not experiencing significant stress or social inequities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or mitigating cognitive decline and dementia in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that chronic stress can negatively impact brain health, suggesting that this study's approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arnold, Steven E — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Arnold, Steven E
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.