The impact of speaking two languages on brain health in American Indian adults
Official title: Bilingualism as a protective factor of ADRD in American Indian adults: the Strong Heart Study
Funded at Huntington Medical Research Institutes · NIH-11159322 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how speaking two languages might help American Indian adults keep their minds sharp and lower the risk of Alzheimer's and other memory problems as they age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Huntington Medical Research Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,881 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG080398-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11159322 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian adults aged 65 and older who are bilingual.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are monolingual or younger than 65 years old may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how bilingualism may serve as a protective factor against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) in American Indian adults. It aims to understand the relationship between speaking two languages and cognitive performance, considering various factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and cultural background. By assessing these relationships, the study seeks to identify how bilingualism can enhance cognitive reserve and potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Participants will be evaluated on their language use and cognitive abilities to provide insights into the benefits of bilingualism in this population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that leverage bilingualism to improve cognitive health and reduce the risk of dementia in American Indian adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that bilingualism can enhance cognitive reserve in various populations, suggesting potential for similar benefits in American Indian adults.
Where this research is happening
-
Huntington Medical Research Institutes
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suchy-Dicey, Astrid M — Huntington Medical Research Institutes
- Study coordinator: Suchy-Dicey, Astrid M
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.