The impact of airborne metals on dementia and cognitive decline.
Official title: Airborne metals, neurodegeneration, and dementia in the Adult Changes in Thought study
Funded at Tufts University Medford · NIH-10929445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breathing in tiny bits of metal and pollution might affect brain health and lead to dementia in older adults, using data and brain samples from a long-term study on thinking and memory.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $594,130 |
| NIH project number | 5R01ES035501-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults who are cognitively intact and willing to participate in long-term follow-up assessments related to brain health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are already diagnosed with advanced dementia or those under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to airborne metals and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may contribute to the development of dementia and cognitive decline. By utilizing data from the Adult Changes in Thought study, which has been tracking brain health in older adults since 1994, the researchers will analyze brain tissue samples and cognitive assessments to identify potential pathways linking air pollution to neurodegeneration. The study aims to characterize pollutant concentrations in specific brain regions and assess their relationship with dementia onset and cognitive function over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of environmental factors contributing to dementia, potentially guiding public health interventions and preventive strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated a link between air pollution and cognitive decline, suggesting that this study builds on established findings while exploring new pathways.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Medford
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suh, Helen — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Suh, Helen
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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.