Midlife brain health and future Alzheimer's risk
Quantifying Individual Differences in Midlife Structural Brain Integrity Associated with Later AD/ADRD Risk
Using midlife brain scans and health information to spot early changes that may signal higher Alzheimer's risk for middle-aged adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11135608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at brain scans and other health data from people in midlife to find patterns of structural brain change that come before dementia. Researchers combine MRI measures with genetics, medical history, and lifestyle information and follow people over time to see who develops cognitive decline. The goal is to find midlife brain measures that could act as earlier markers of Alzheimer's risk so prevention efforts can start sooner. If you take part you might share past health records, provide brain images, or join periodic follow-up visits.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults in midlife, especially those with a family history of Alzheimer's or known risk factors, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People who already have diagnosed Alzheimer's dementia or who are well past midlife are unlikely to benefit from midlife-focused biomarkers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help detect Alzheimer's risk earlier and guide interventions in midlife to slow or prevent later decline.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research links midlife risk factors and brain changes to later dementia, but reliable midlife surrogate biomarkers for prevention trials are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hariri, Ahmad R. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Hariri, Ahmad R.
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.