Investigating early risk factors for dementia in young adults

National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health): Wave VI Cognition and Early Risk Factors for Dementia Project

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11004367

This study is looking at how thinking skills and risk factors for Alzheimer's and related conditions change from teenage years into your 40s, to help find early signs that might predict dementia later in life.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11004367 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how cognitive functioning and risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) develop from adolescence into early adulthood. By utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, the project aims to collect detailed information on cognitive, physical, and sensory functioning in individuals who are now in their mid-40s. The study will track changes over time and identify early indicators that could predict the onset of dementia later in life. This comprehensive approach will help researchers understand the long-term effects of various risk factors on cognitive health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who were part of the Add Health study and are currently in their mid-40s.

Not a fit: Patients who are not part of the Add Health cohort or who are significantly younger or older than the target age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier identification and intervention strategies for individuals at risk of developing dementia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in identifying early cognitive changes and risk factors for dementia using longitudinal data, making this approach both promising and relevant.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.