Investigating how loneliness affects cognitive decline and dementia risk in older adults
Official title: The role of loneliness in cognitive decline and risk for dementia
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10825593 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how feeling lonely might affect memory and thinking skills in older adults, especially those with Alzheimer's, and it’s for older folks who want to help us understand this important connection better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $80,200 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AG081719-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825593 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 70 and above who may experience feelings of loneliness.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 70 or do not experience loneliness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the connection between loneliness and cognitive decline in older adults, particularly focusing on Alzheimer's disease. By examining data over time, the study aims to determine whether loneliness contributes to cognitive decline or is a result of it. Participants will be part of the Einstein Aging Study, which includes diverse older adults who will undergo multiple assessments to gather comprehensive data on their cognitive health and experiences of loneliness. The research will also investigate the biological mechanisms that may link loneliness to an increased risk of dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing cognitive decline and dementia by addressing loneliness in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated a correlation between loneliness and cognitive decline, but this research aims to provide novel insights through a longitudinal approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graham-Engeland, Jennifer Elise — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Graham-Engeland, Jennifer Elise
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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.