Social activities, gender, and memory health in older adults
Official title: Older Adult Social Participation, Gender, and Cognitive Decline
Funded at California State Univ San Bernardino · NIH-11323091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how different social activities and gender relate to changes in thinking and memory in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California State Univ San Bernardino NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Bernardino, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $186,638 |
| NIH project number | 5R16AG086053-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11323091 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults concerned about memory decline or at risk for Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias would be the main group this work addresses.
✕Less likely to help
People with advanced dementia or those unable to engage in social activities because of severe mobility or cognitive impairments are unlikely to benefit directly from the findings.
What this research studies
This project analyzes data from older adults to compare how specific social activities—such as volunteering, club participation, or visiting friends—relate to changes in thinking and memory. It will look for differences between men and women and try to identify what aspects of particular activities (for example, mental challenge, physical movement, or emotional support) might link to better brain health. The team will also examine how common survey measures may hide important differences when activities are combined into a single score. The work mainly uses existing survey data and statistical analyses rather than testing a new drug or device.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to specific social activities that help protect thinking and memory and inform community programs and advice for older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies link overall social engagement with lower dementia risk, but this project is more focused and aims to identify which specific activities and gender differences matter, a less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
California State Univ San Bernardino
San Bernardino, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vogelsang, Eric — California State Univ San Bernardino
- Study coordinator: Vogelsang, Eric
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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.