Impact of climate change on brain health in older adults with Alzheimer's and dementia
Official title: Susceptibility and adverse health outcomes related to climate-sensitive events among older Medicare beneficiaries with Alzheimer and Dementia
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10607424 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how things like air pollution and extreme heat impact the health of older adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias, aiming to understand how these environmental factors and their living conditions affect their brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $2,378,546 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1AG080948-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10607424 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how climate-sensitive events, such as air pollution and extreme heat, affect the health of older adults suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing a large cohort of Medicare beneficiaries, the study aims to understand the combined effects of environmental factors and socio-economic conditions on brain health. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques and satellite imagery, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive view of how these factors interact and influence health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health strategies and interventions for older adults with Alzheimer's and dementia, particularly in the context of climate change.
How similar studies have gone: While some studies have explored the effects of environmental factors on health, this research is novel in its comprehensive approach to combining multiple climate-related variables and advanced analytical methods.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bell, Michelle L — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Bell, Michelle L
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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.