Positive emotions may help older adults with memory problems handle stress better
Official title: The role of positive emotions in stress-induced negative emotion regulation among older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11353762 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH grant will explore whether nurturing positive feelings can help older adults with mild cognitive impairment cope with stress and reduce negative mood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $302,084 |
| NIH project number | 1R03AG101174-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353762 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults (typically 60+) with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer’s-related conditions who experience stress-related mood changes.
✕Less likely to help
People without MCI, without interest in stress-related mood management, or those unable to participate due to cognitive or physical limitations.
What this research studies
This project looks at how positive emotions influence how older adults with MCI manage stress and regulate negative emotions. It will involve a short, structured approach to observe mood responses under stress and test whether strategies to boost positive feelings can lessen negative mood. The study uses human participants aged 21+ with AD-related conditions and will collect mood and stress data to understand potential benefits. Results could point to simple, person-centered ways to improve daily well-being for people at risk of dementia progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform non-drug approaches to lessen stress-related mood problems in older adults with MCI.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary work suggests positive emotions may buffer stress in dementia caregivers; evidence in MCI is still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Sin Yi Rose — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Lin, Sin Yi Rose
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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.