Investigating how toxic metals and social stressors affect cognitive aging and biomarkers.
The role of toxic and essential metal mixtures, and co-exposures to social stressors, in cognitive aging, mild cognitive impairment, and novel epigenetic age biomarkers: The Baltimore Memory Study
This study is looking at how exposure to harmful metals and stress from things like poverty and discrimination might affect thinking skills and brain health in people aged 50 to 70 living in Baltimore, to help understand and improve public health.
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 ID | NIH-11046591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines the impact of environmental toxicants, particularly toxic metals and essential trace elements, on cognitive aging and mild cognitive impairment. It focuses on how these exposures, combined with social stressors like poverty and discrimination, may influence cognitive function and epigenetic age markers in individuals aged 50 to 70 in Baltimore. By analyzing existing data on lead exposure and chronic stress, the study aims to uncover potential links between these factors and cognitive decline, providing insights that could inform public health policies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 50 to 70 living in Baltimore, particularly those from diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Not a fit: Patients outside the age range of 50 to 70 or those not residing in Baltimore may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for cognitive decline related to environmental and social factors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in linking environmental exposures to cognitive decline, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moon, Katherine a — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Moon, Katherine a
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 below.