Investigating Alzheimer's risk and stress factors in transgender and gender diverse adults
Official title: The Brain Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults: An Examination of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Risk and Psychosocial Stressors
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10984490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being transgender or gender diverse might affect the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, focusing on how things like hormone therapy and experiences of discrimination could play a role, so we can better understand the health needs of this community.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,344 |
| NIH project number | 5K23AG084851-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are transgender and gender diverse adults, particularly those aged 65 and older.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as transgender or gender diverse may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among transgender and gender diverse (TGD) adults, a group that faces unique psychosocial stressors. The study aims to identify how factors such as gender identity, hormone therapy, and discrimination may influence ADRD risk. By utilizing advanced statistical methods and qualitative research approaches, the project seeks to fill gaps in existing knowledge about TGD individuals and their specific health needs. Participants will contribute to understanding the epidemiology of ADRD in this marginalized population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health outcomes and tailored interventions for transgender and gender diverse adults at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While research on Alzheimer's disease in general has shown success, this specific focus on transgender and gender diverse populations is novel and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cicero, Ethan Collin — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Cicero, Ethan Collin
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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.