Social connections and Alzheimer's disease
Social Networks in Alzheimer Disease 2.0.
This project looks at whether older adults' social networks help protect memory and thinking in people with mild cognitive impairment or early Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Trustees of Indiana University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bloomington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would join a long-term group of older adults who are seen once a year and asked about their relationships, activities, and daily life. Researchers map your personal social network using in-home interviews and combine that information with yearly memory testing, brain scans, and genetic data. The study follows people with mild cognitive impairment, early Alzheimer’s or related dementias, and similar-age people without memory problems to compare outcomes over time. The team uses these combined social and biological measurements to learn how social connection may build mental resilience.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimer's disease or related dementias, as well as age-matched adults without cognitive impairment who can complete annual visits.
Not a fit: People with advanced dementia who cannot participate in interviews or regular visits, or individuals unable to travel to the study site, are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to practical ways to strengthen social ties that help slow memory decline or improve quality of life for people with early dementia.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier findings from this same program and other research suggest social engagement is linked to better cognition and cognitive reserve, but targeted social interventions are still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Bloomington, United States
- Trustees of Indiana University — Bloomington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perry, Brea Louise — Trustees of Indiana University
- Study coordinator: Perry, Brea Louise
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.