Investigating how PFAS exposure affects brain health and dementia risk.
Official title: The role of PFAS in lipid-mediated vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia: PFAS VascCog Longitudinal Study
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11087584 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain environmental chemicals called PFAS might affect brain health and increase the risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, using blood samples from a long-term study to see if these chemicals are linked to heart and blood vessel problems that could lead to memory issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $466,142 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086393-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087584 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults who have been exposed to PFAS and are at risk for cognitive impairment or dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of PFAS exposure or those without cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), common environmental pollutants, on cognitive health and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing archived blood samples from a long-term study, researchers will measure PFAS levels and their potential links to vascular health issues like high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, which may contribute to cognitive decline. The study aims to provide clearer evidence on how PFAS exposure may lead to increased dementia risk through its effects on lipid metabolism and vascular health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for cognitive impairment and dementia linked to environmental exposures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential links between environmental pollutants and cognitive decline, but this study aims to provide more definitive evidence through a longitudinal approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gardener, Hannah — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Gardener, Hannah
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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.