Investigating how race, socioeconomic status, and sex affect brain aging and Alzheimer's risk.
Official title: Prospective Change in Preclinical MRI Markers of ADRD Risk and Brain Aging by Race, Socioeconomic Status, and Sex
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore County · NIH-10671861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like race, income, and gender might affect the risk of Alzheimer's and related memory issues by tracking changes in brain scans over time, so we can better understand how these factors influence brain health and thinking skills.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore County NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $862,577 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG064088-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10671861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals and those with low socioeconomic status who are free from stroke and dementia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as African American or do not have low socioeconomic status may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to explore how factors such as race, socioeconomic status (SES), and biological sex influence the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) through changes in brain imaging markers. By following participants from the HANDLS cohort study, the research will assess how these factors interact and contribute to brain aging and cognitive decline over time. The study utilizes advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to identify early signs of dementia risk and understand the biopsychosocial factors that may mediate these relationships.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and targeted interventions for reducing Alzheimer's risk in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown significant findings regarding the impact of race and socioeconomic factors on brain health, suggesting that this approach is built on a foundation of established knowledge.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore County
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Waldstein, Shari — University of Maryland Baltimore County
- Study coordinator: Waldstein, Shari
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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.