How stress at different life stages affects memory and Alzheimer's biomarkers.
Official title: The Impact of Early and Later-life Stress on Later-life Cognition and Plasma Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11177592 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how stress throughout life affects thinking skills and certain blood markers related to Alzheimer's disease, and it wants to see if these effects are different for men and women, so if you're interested in how stress might relate to memory and brain health, this research could be for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG087696-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11177592 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals experiencing cognitive decline or those with a history of significant stress in their lives.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of stress or cognitive concerns may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how stress experienced in early and later life impacts cognitive function and plasma biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By examining both psychological stress and its biological markers, the study aims to uncover potential links between stress and cognitive decline. The research will also explore whether these associations differ between men and women, providing a comprehensive understanding of the role of stress in Alzheimer's pathology. Participants may undergo assessments of their cognitive abilities and blood tests to measure specific biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or intervening in Alzheimer's disease by addressing the impact of stress.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research directly linking stress to Alzheimer's biomarkers, studies have shown that stress can impact cognitive health, suggesting potential for meaningful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Jillian — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Lee, Jillian
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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.