Investigating how head impacts and social factors affect Alzheimer's in older Black men
Official title: The Contribution of Repetitive Head Impacts and Social Determinants of Health to Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia in Older Adult Black Men
Funded at George Washington University · NIH-10904947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how repeated head impacts from playing football might affect the brain health of older Black men, especially in relation to Alzheimer's and similar conditions, while also considering how things like education and healthcare access play a role.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,221,119 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS134043-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10904947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older Black men who have a history of playing contact sports, particularly American football.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not Black men or those who have not participated in contact sports may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between repetitive head impacts, often experienced by former American football players, and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in older Black men. It aims to understand how social determinants of health, such as education and healthcare access, influence cognitive function and neurological health. By examining brain imaging and biomarkers, the study seeks to uncover the underlying factors contributing to neurological disparities in this population. Participants will be former football athletes who may have experienced head impacts during their careers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for Alzheimer's disease in older Black men.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that repetitive head impacts can lead to cognitive decline, suggesting that this study builds on established findings while focusing on a specific demographic.
Where this research is happening
-
George Washington University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turner, Robert W. — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Turner, Robert W.
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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.