The impact of perceived racism on brain health and Alzheimer's risk in older Black adults
Perceived racism, cardiovascular disease risk, and neurocognitive aging
This study is looking at how experiences of racial discrimination might impact brain health in older Black adults, especially in areas of the brain related to memory, to better understand how these experiences could affect aging and the risk of conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167232 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how experiences of racial discrimination may affect brain health, particularly focusing on the medial temporal hippocampal region, in older Black adults. It aims to explore the relationship between chronic racial stress and changes in brain structure, such as hippocampal atrophy and white matter hyperintensities, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By examining these factors, the study seeks to understand how racial identity and experiences of discrimination influence cognitive aging and overall brain health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are self-identified Black older adults who may have experienced racial discrimination.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or who are not older adults may not receive benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and interventions for Alzheimer's disease risk among Black older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While research on racial discrimination and health outcomes is growing, this specific focus on racial salience and its effects on brain health in older Black adults is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston University Medical Campus — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schon, Karin — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Schon, Karin
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.