Investigating how multiple health conditions and stress affect dementia risk and cognitive decline in older adults
Official title: Multimorbidity Trajectories, Psychosocial Resilience and Stress, and Risk of Dementia and Poor Cognitive Functioning
Funded at Univ of Maryland, College Park · NIH-10684061 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how having several long-term health issues might affect the chances of older adults developing dementia or having memory problems, while also considering how stress and resilience play a role, with the goal of finding ways to better support these individuals.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $187,707 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG079233-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10684061 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who have multiple chronic health conditions and are at risk for dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or do not have any chronic health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the relationship between having multiple chronic health conditions (multimorbidity) and the risk of developing dementia or experiencing cognitive decline in older adults. It also explores how factors like psychosocial resilience and stress may influence this relationship. By analyzing data from the Health Retirement Study, the research aims to identify patterns and differences in dementia risk based on gender and race. The findings could help in understanding how to better support older adults facing these challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing dementia and enhancing cognitive health in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the links between chronic conditions, psychosocial factors, and cognitive health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Maryland, College Park
College Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whilby, Kellee White — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Whilby, Kellee White
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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.