Investigating how structural advantages affect cognitive health in older adults

Life Course Center for the Demography and Economics of Aging

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10940390

This study looks at how advantages that white people have in society might affect brain health and the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia in older adults, especially for those from different racial backgrounds, to help create fairer health policies for everyone.

Quick facts

Grant typeP30 center grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10940390 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the impact of structural white advantage on cognitive health and the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias among older adults in the U.S. It aims to quantify how policies and practices that favor white individuals influence cognitive health disparities across different racial groups. By analyzing administrative data, the study will measure access to resources and power, and develop an index to better understand these dynamics. The findings could inform policies aimed at promoting health equity for non-white populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those from non-white racial backgrounds, who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for cognitive decline or who do not belong to the targeted racial groups may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved health equity initiatives that enhance cognitive health outcomes for marginalized racial groups.

How similar studies have performed: Similar research has shown that addressing structural inequities can lead to improved health outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementia
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.