The impact of neighborhood greenery on cognitive health in older adults
Objectively measured neighborhood greenness in midlife and late life cognitive and brain imaging outcomes for Alzheimer's disease: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
This study is looking at whether living in greener neighborhoods can help keep your brain healthy as you get older, focusing on people aged 55 and up, by checking if more plants around you can improve memory and thinking skills while also protecting your brain from shrinking.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10353162 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how living in greener neighborhoods during midlife may influence cognitive health and brain structure in older adults aged 55 and above. It aims to determine if increased exposure to healthy vegetation is linked to better cognitive functions, such as memory and processing speed, as well as reduced brain atrophy. By using objective measurements of neighborhood greenness, the study will analyze both immediate and long-term effects on brain health. Participants will undergo cognitive assessments and brain imaging to evaluate these associations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 55 and older who live in areas with varying levels of neighborhood greenness.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 55 or those who do not reside in neighborhoods with differing levels of greenery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies for enhancing cognitive health and potentially delaying the onset of Alzheimer's disease through environmental improvements.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that living in greener neighborhoods is associated with lower dementia risk and cognitive decline, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Besser, Lilah — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Besser, Lilah
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.