Investigating how air pollution and stress may increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: Air Pollution-Derived Iron Exposure, Poverty-Related Stress, and Alzheimer's Disease Risk
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-10977588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in tiny iron particles from air pollution might increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, especially in communities with lower income that often face more pollution, to help us understand how our environment and social factors can affect brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,625,947 |
| NIH project number | 1RF1NS139187-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals over 21 years old who live in areas with high levels of air pollution and may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not live in polluted areas 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 long-term exposure to iron from air pollution and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. It focuses on how inhaled iron particles, particularly from fine particulate matter, may lead to brain iron overload, which is linked to cognitive decline and dementia. The study also considers the impact of socioeconomic factors, as communities with lower income often experience higher levels of air pollution and metal contaminants. By examining these relationships, the research aims to better understand the environmental and social factors contributing to Alzheimer's disease risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing Alzheimer's disease risk by addressing environmental factors like air pollution.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown a link between air pollution and cognitive decline, suggesting that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring a completely novel area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Terry, Marissa Sobolewski — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Terry, Marissa Sobolewski
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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.