Investigating racial and geographic disparities in Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Mechanisms of inequalities in ADRD risk across race and place in the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11014995 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into why older Black adults are more likely to develop Alzheimer's and related memory issues compared to older White adults, and it aims to find ways to help reduce this risk by exploring different social and environmental factors that could make a difference.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,005,834 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG082307-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11014995 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly non-Latinx Black individuals, who are at risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not older adults or do not belong to the racial groups being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand why non-Latinx Black older adults are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) compared to their non-Latinx White counterparts. By examining various factors such as neighborhood socioeconomic status and environmental influences, the study seeks to identify modifiable targets that could help reduce these disparities. Participants will be followed over time to analyze changes in cognitive function and the impact of different social and environmental factors. The study will utilize data from the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project and historical census data to provide a comprehensive view of the issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing social and environmental factors can effectively reduce health disparities, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zahodne, Laura B — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Zahodne, Laura B
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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.