Investigating how air pollution affects Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Official title: Air pollution, the blood and brain metabolome and their effects on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11189611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution, especially tiny particles in the air, might increase the risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how what we breathe could affect our brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $777,350 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG087250-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11189611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for Alzheimer's disease, particularly those exposed to high levels of air pollution.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to air pollution or who do not have risk factors for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It aims to identify which specific components of air pollution are most harmful to brain health and how they affect biological processes in the body. By analyzing blood and brain metabolites, the study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms linking air pollution to neurodegenerative diseases. The findings could inform public health policies aimed at reducing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by identifying modifiable environmental risk factors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in linking air pollution to neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huels, Anke — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Huels, Anke
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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.