Investigating psychological factors and brain aging in American Indians

Psychological risk factors, quality of life, community, and brain aging in American Indians: The Strong Heart Study

NIH-funded research Huntington Medical Research Institutes · NIH-11127300

This study is looking at how stress and depression might impact thinking skills and the chances of developing Alzheimer's and related conditions in American Indian adults, with the goal of finding ways to improve their overall health and community connections.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHuntington Medical Research Institutes NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pasadena, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11127300 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how psychological risk factors, such as stress and depression, affect cognitive performance and the risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in American Indian adults. By evaluating the relationships between these psychological factors and cognitive decline over time, the study aims to identify protective factors that could improve health-related quality of life and community connectedness. The research will utilize established longitudinal cohort studies to gather data and inform prevention strategies for ADRD in this population.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian adults who may be experiencing psychological stressors or are at risk for cognitive decline.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as American Indian or those without psychological risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies for Alzheimer's Disease and enhance the quality of life for American Indian adults.

How similar studies have performed: While research on cognitive decline in diverse populations exists, this specific focus on American Indian adults and the interplay of psychological factors is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Pasadena, 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.