Investigating the link between Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, and air pollution
National Cohort Studies of Alzheimer's Disease, Related Dementias and Air Pollution
This study is looking at how air pollution might affect the memory and thinking skills of older adults with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, using big health data to find out what helps or harms brain health as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10983783 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research examines how exposure to air pollution, specifically fine particulate matter, affects the progression of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in older adults. By utilizing large datasets from Medicare and Medicaid, the study aims to identify risk and protective factors that influence cognitive decline and dementia. The researchers will employ advanced statistical methods to analyze the data, addressing limitations of previous studies that had smaller sample sizes. The goal is to provide clearer insights into how environmental factors like air pollution impact brain health in aging populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 65 and older who may be at risk for Alzheimer's disease or related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients under the age of 65 or those without any cognitive impairment may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by identifying modifiable environmental risk factors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown associations between air pollution and cognitive decline, but this study aims to provide more definitive insights using larger datasets and advanced methodologies.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard School of Public Health — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zanobetti, Antonella — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Zanobetti, Antonella
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.