Investigating how social relationships affect Alzheimer's risk in different racial and ethnic groups

Racial/Ethnic Disparities in ADRD Risk: The Impact of Social Relations

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11068201

This study is looking at how our social connections might help protect against Alzheimer's and related memory issues, especially among different racial and ethnic groups, including Arab Americans, to see how friendships and interactions in our younger years can impact brain health later in life.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11068201 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between social relations and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among various racial and ethnic groups. By analyzing data from diverse samples collected over multiple years, the study aims to identify protective factors that can enhance cognitive health and reduce ADRD risk. It focuses on understanding how social interactions in early and midlife influence cognitive outcomes and how these effects may vary across different populations. The research will involve collecting new data from a representative sample in the Detroit metropolitan area, including Arab Americans, to ensure a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly those under 65 years of age, who are interested in understanding the impact of social relationships on cognitive health.

Not a fit: Patients who do not belong to the racial or ethnic groups being studied or those who are already diagnosed with advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that improve cognitive health and reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's disease in at-risk populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of social relations in cognitive health, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.