Investigating how women's reproductive history affects cognitive decline and brain health in Alzheimer's disease.
Official title: How women’s reproductive life-history relates to cognitive decline and neuropathology in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10902105 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like pregnancy and breastfeeding might affect brain health and the risk of memory problems in women as they age, especially after menopause.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $163,988 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AG079093-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902105 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are post-menopausal women aged 65 and older who have participated in the Women's Health Initiative.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not post-menopausal or who have not experienced pregnancy or breastfeeding may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the relationship between women's reproductive life history and the risk of cognitive decline and neuropathology in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing data from a large cohort of post-menopausal women, the study aims to understand how factors like pregnancy and breastfeeding may influence brain health over time. The researchers will utilize existing data and MRI images to assess brain changes and cognitive outcomes, focusing on the unique experiences of women. This approach seeks to uncover potential protective effects of reproductive events on cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how reproductive history influences Alzheimer's disease risk, potentially guiding preventive strategies for women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results regarding the protective effects of pregnancy and breastfeeding on cognitive health, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fox, Molly Maurer — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Fox, Molly Maurer
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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.