Investigating Alzheimer's risk in retired night shift workers
Characterizing Alzheimer's Risk in Retired Night Shift Workers: Cognitive Function, Brain Volume, and Brain Bioenergetics
This study is looking at how working night shifts might affect brain health and increase the risk of Alzheimer's and other dementias in retired people aged 65-80, by comparing the brain function and structure of those who worked nights with those who worked days.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11011293 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines how working night shifts may increase the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias in retired individuals. It compares cognitive function, brain volume, and brain bioenergetics between retired night shift workers and retired day workers aged 65-80. Participants will undergo neurocognitive assessments and advanced neuroimaging techniques to evaluate differences in brain health and energy metabolism. The goal is to understand the impact of disrupted sleep patterns on brain function and structure.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are retired individuals aged 65-80 who have previously worked night shifts or day shifts.
Not a fit: Patients who are not retired or have not worked night shifts may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's Disease in individuals with a history of night shift work.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has indicated that shift work may negatively impact cognitive health, suggesting this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lehrer, Henry Matthew — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Lehrer, Henry Matthew
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 below.