Investigating how air quality and living conditions affect social isolation and cognitive function in rural communities at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
The Role of Air Quality and Built Environment in Social Isolation and Cognitive Function among Rural, Racially/Ethnically Diverse Residents at Risk for Alzheimer's Disease
This study is looking at how air quality and the places we live can affect feelings of loneliness and memory problems in older adults in rural Florida who might be at risk for Alzheimer's disease, and it involves tracking daily activities and social interactions over five years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida Atlantic University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boca Raton, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11084529 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of air quality and the built environment on social isolation and cognitive decline among racially and ethnically diverse residents in rural Florida who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease. The study will involve recruiting middle-aged and older adults from five communities, focusing on their social interactions and cognitive health over a five-year period. Participants will wear Apple watches to track their daily activities and sensory data, while researchers will also assess community-level environmental factors. The goal is to understand how these elements contribute to cognitive risks in a vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are middle-aged and older adults living in rural Florida who are dementia-free but at risk for cognitive decline.
Not a fit: Patients who are already diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for reducing social isolation and cognitive decline in at-risk populations, potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on rural, disadvantaged, ethnic minority residents is novel, previous studies have shown that environmental factors can significantly impact cognitive health.
Where this research is happening
Boca Raton, United States
- Florida Atlantic University — Boca Raton, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wiese, Lisa Ann — Florida Atlantic University
- Study coordinator: Wiese, Lisa Ann
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.