The impact of green spaces on neurodegenerative diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases and the role of green space: A deep learning assessment
This study is looking at how having access to parks and green spaces might affect the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and similar conditions, especially for people from racial minority groups, using cool technology like Google Street View to gather information.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University (Charles River Campus) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10809013 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how access to green spaces may influence the risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, particularly in racial minority populations. By utilizing advanced technologies like Google Street View imaging, the study aims to quantify the relationship between green space exposure and health disparities in neurodegenerative diseases. The approach includes analyzing high-dimensional data to understand how geographic factors, such as air pollution and urban environments, interact with health outcomes. This comprehensive analysis could provide insights into how environmental factors contribute to health disparities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those from racial minority backgrounds, who may be at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 21 years old or do not have risk factors for neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies that enhance access to green spaces, potentially reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that environmental factors, including green space, can significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University (Charles River Campus) — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pescador Jimenez, Marcia Ixchel — Boston University (Charles River Campus)
- Study coordinator: Pescador Jimenez, Marcia Ixchel
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.