NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Personality and Dementia: How traits shape disease and progression

Official title: Personality and Dementia: Mechanisms and Trajectories

Funded at Florida State University · NIH-11447026 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This project looks at how personality traits might influence how people respond to Alzheimer’s pathology and how the disease progresses.

More Dementia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFlorida State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tallahassee, United States)
Project startSeptember 15, 2020
Project endAugust 31, 2030
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$2,481,810
NIH project number2RF1AG068093-06
Project IDNIH-11447026 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Individuals with or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias who have age-related biomarker data or pathology.

Less likely to help

People without any risk factors or biomarker indicators related to AD pathology are less likely to benefit from this research.

What this research studies

Scientists at Florida State University are studying how psychological factors like personality traits affect dementia progression in people with Alzheimer’s pathology. The work builds on prior findings that traits such as neuroticism and conscientiousness relate to dementia risk and brain pathology, and it aims to uncover mechanisms and trajectories in a broad longitudinal context. The study will examine how these traits interact with biomarkers, using blood-based indicators to understand resilience vs. decline as people age. Results could inform personalized risk profiles and timing of interventions for those at risk or living with AD pathology.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to personalized approaches for monitoring and managing dementia risk based on personality and biomarker profiles.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked personality traits with dementia risk and pathology, and this renewal aims to extend those findings to mechanisms and trajectories.

Where this research is happening

  • Florida State University
    Tallahassee, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Terracciano, Antonio — Florida State University
  • Study coordinator: Terracciano, Antonio

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.