How work and unemployment affect dementia risk over a lifetime

Occupational transitions across the lifecourse and dementia risk: evaluating unemployment, occupational complexity using sequence analysis

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11082416

This study is looking at how different work experiences, like changing jobs or being unemployed, might affect the chances of developing Alzheimer's and related dementias, so if you've ever wondered how your job could impact your brain health, this research is for you!

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082416 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between work experiences, including job changes and unemployment, and the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) across a person's life. By analyzing data from large U.S. cohorts, the study aims to understand how different types of occupations and the demands they place on individuals can influence dementia risk. The researchers will create a detailed database that captures the physical, environmental, and cognitive aspects of various jobs to better assess their impact on brain health. This approach seeks to fill gaps in existing literature regarding the role of work in dementia risk.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 65 and older who have experienced various work trajectories throughout their lives.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or those who have not had significant work experiences may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing dementia by highlighting the importance of occupational experiences.

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

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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 2026-06-13 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.