Investigating how environmental pollutants affect brain aging and dementia risk
Official title: PRE3BAD: Preclinical Research on Emerging Environmental Exposures, Brain Aging, and Dementia
Funded at University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr · NIH-10973477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like air pollution and heavy metals might speed up the development of Alzheimer's and other dementias, especially in older adults, to help us understand how these environmental factors affect brain health and find ways to protect and recover our cognitive abilities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Albuquerque, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,962,632 |
| NIH project number | 1U01AG088557-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults who have been exposed to environmental pollutants and are at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to significant environmental pollutants 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 impact of environmental stressors, such as air pollution and heavy metals, on the development of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It focuses on how prolonged exposure to these pollutants may accelerate neurodegenerative processes, particularly in an aging population. The study aims to understand the mechanisms by which these environmental factors contribute to neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, using both preclinical models and analyses of biological samples. By examining the effects of pollutants like wildfire smoke and microplastics, the research seeks to identify critical windows of vulnerability and potential recovery pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, potentially reducing their incidence in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: While research on environmental pollutants and neurodegenerative diseases is emerging, this specific approach to studying the effects of microplastics and other pollutants on Alzheimer's disease is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
Albuquerque, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Campen, Matthew J — University of New Mexico Health Scis Ctr
- Study coordinator: Campen, Matthew J
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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.