Investigating how early life exposure to environmental toxins affects Alzheimer's risk.
Official title: Early mid-life environmental toxicant exposures and AD/ADRD risk in CARDIA
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10973767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being exposed to harmful chemicals in our environment when we're young and middle-aged might increase the chances of developing Alzheimer's and related memory issues later in life, especially focusing on different groups of people.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $2,175,074 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG088658-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to environmental toxins and are at risk for Alzheimer's Disease, particularly those from diverse racial backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no history of environmental toxicant exposure or who are not at risk for Alzheimer's Disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of environmental toxicant exposures during early and mid-life on the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and related dementias (ADRD). By utilizing data from the CARDIA Study, which follows a diverse group of individuals over 35 years, the study aims to identify how these exposures may lead to cognitive decline and changes in brain structure. The research will focus on specific toxicants like pesticides and heavy metals, exploring their potential epigenetic effects and the disparities in AD prevalence among different racial groups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the identification of preventable environmental risk factors for Alzheimer's Disease, potentially reducing its incidence.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has suggested links between environmental exposures and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Aimin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Chen, Aimin
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.