Investigating how stress and social networks affect cognitive aging and Alzheimer's risk
Official title: Lifecourse Stressors and Social Disparities in Cognitive Aging: The Roles of Social Networks and Sleep Disturbance
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-10895443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term stress and social connections affect memory and thinking as we age, especially for those at risk of Alzheimer's and similar conditions, to find ways to help improve brain health for everyone.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $88,537 |
| NIH project number | 5K00AG068431-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10895443 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals over 21 years old who are at risk for Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, particularly those from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not at risk for Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias, or those without significant psychosocial stressors, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the impact of lifelong stressors and social networks on cognitive aging, particularly in relation to Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD). It aims to understand how these stressors contribute to disparities in cognitive function among different social groups. The study will utilize causal inference methods to analyze the relationships between psychosocial factors, sleep disturbances, and cognitive outcomes in older adults. By identifying modifiable factors that influence ADRD risk, the research seeks to inform potential interventions to reduce these disparities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help reduce the risk of Alzheimer's Disease and improve cognitive health in socially disadvantaged populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social networks can provide resilience against stressors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into cognitive aging and ADRD.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Ruijia — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Chen, Ruijia
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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.