The impact of pesticide exposure on neurodegeneration in farmers
Official title: Pesticide Use and Markers of ADRD Neurodegeneration among US Farmers
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11054041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being around pesticides might affect farmers' brain health, especially in relation to Alzheimer's and similar conditions, by examining data from the past 30 years to see if certain pesticides are linked to memory problems and changes in smell.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,368,557 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG091698-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are rural farmers aged 65 and older who have been exposed to pesticides.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of pesticide exposure or are under the age of 65 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to pesticides may contribute to neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), among farmers. By analyzing data collected over 30 years, the study aims to identify specific pesticides linked to ADRD and assess their effects on biomarkers, cognitive decline, and olfactory loss. Participants will be rural farmers who have experienced varying levels of pesticide exposure, allowing researchers to explore the relationship between these exposures and neurodegeneration. The study will utilize both historical health data and current assessments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for ADRD among farmers and potentially other populations exposed to pesticides.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown associations between pesticide exposure and neurodegenerative diseases, but this study aims to provide more definitive links and is building on existing data from the Agricultural Health Study.
Where this research is happening
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Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Honglei — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chen, Honglei
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.