Investigating blood pressure's impact on dementia in African Americans

Blood Pressure and ADRD in African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10836272

This study is looking at how blood pressure affects the chances of developing mild cognitive impairment and dementia in African Americans, with the goal of finding ways to help older adults manage their blood pressure for better brain health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10836272 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines the relationship between blood pressure and the risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia among African Americans, who are disproportionately affected by these conditions. By analyzing data from the Jackson Heart Study, the research aims to identify how blood pressure management can influence cognitive health in older adults. The study will explore both the factors contributing to dementia risk and the resilience seen in some individuals despite high blood pressure. Participants will be followed over a longer period to gather comprehensive data on these relationships.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American older adults, particularly those with high blood pressure or at risk for cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who are not African American or those without high blood pressure or cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing dementia in African American older adults through better blood pressure management.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that managing blood pressure can significantly impact cognitive health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.