Radon and memory plus brain-cell energy
Radon exposure in relation to the risk of cognitive impairment and mitochondrial function
This project will compare people's radon exposure with their memory and brain-cell energy to learn whether higher radon is linked to cognitive problems in adults.
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 ID | NIH-11456932 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers will combine environmental radon estimates with health records and memory tests to see who has been exposed to more radon and how their thinking skills change. They may ask some participants for blood samples to measure markers of mitochondrial (cell energy) function that could explain how radon affects the brain. The team will focus on adults, including older people and groups with higher dementia risk, and use both existing data and new testing over time. Results will be used to look for patterns that could point to preventable environmental risks for memory loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults aged 21 and older—especially older adults or people living in areas with higher radon—who can complete cognitive testing and provide health information or blood samples if asked.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment for active dementia symptoms should not expect direct clinical benefit from joining this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the work shows a link, it could point to radon reduction as a modifiable step to lower the chance of cognitive decline.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have firmly linked radon to lung cancer and have found geographic correlations with dementia, but direct studies tying radon exposure to cognitive decline and mitochondrial changes are limited and largely observational.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kahe, Ka — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kahe, Ka
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.