How work experiences affect brain health in older Mexican adults
Official title: The Influence of Lifetime Occupational Experience on Cognitive Trajectories Among Mexican Older Adults
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11003262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how different kinds of jobs throughout life can affect brain health as we get older, especially in Mexico, and aims to find out what kinds of work might help keep our minds sharp in our later years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,666 |
| NIH project number | 5F31AG084149-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older Mexican adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, who have diverse occupational backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who have not had significant occupational experiences may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how different types of work throughout life influence cognitive health in older adults, particularly in Mexico. It aims to understand the long-term effects of occupational complexity on cognitive function as people age. By examining various factors that contribute to cognitive decline or preservation, the study seeks to identify protective elements that can help improve brain health in later years. The research will involve collaboration with experts from various fields to ensure a comprehensive approach to the topic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that enhance cognitive health and quality of life for older adults in Mexico and similar contexts.
How similar studies have gone: While the influence of occupational complexity on cognitive function has been studied in high-income countries, this research is novel in its focus on low- and middle-income countries like Mexico.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gutierrez, Mariela a — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Gutierrez, Mariela a
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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.