Investigating the link between gum disease and Alzheimer's disease
Official title: A Longitudinal Study of Periodontal Infections and Alzheimer's Disease: The WHICAP Ancillary Study of Oral Health
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-10893323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether gum disease might be linked to Alzheimer's disease by tracking the health and thinking skills of older adults in northern Manhattan over time, so if you're interested in how oral health could affect brain health, this research might be for you!
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $778,128 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076015-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals, particularly those from minority and disadvantaged backgrounds, who may be experiencing or at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have periodontal disease or are not at risk for Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential connection between periodontal infections, commonly known as gum disease, and Alzheimer's disease. It involves a longitudinal analysis of a diverse group of elderly participants in northern Manhattan, who are regularly assessed for cognitive function and oral health. By examining the health histories and biological markers of these individuals, the study aims to determine if gum disease could be a risk factor for developing cognitive impairments or Alzheimer's disease. Participants will undergo medical exams, neuropsychological testing, and imaging studies to gather comprehensive data.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive strategies for Alzheimer's disease by addressing oral health issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has suggested a correlation between oral health and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noble, James Mccallum — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Noble, James Mccallum
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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.