The impact of urban air pollution on Alzheimer's disease risk and mechanisms
Urban Air Pollution and Alzheimer's Disease: Risk, Heterogeneity, and Mechanisms
This study is looking at how air pollution from traffic might increase the chances of older adults developing Alzheimer's disease, especially for those with certain genetic traits, and it combines data from people and experiments with mice to better understand this connection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10456747 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how exposure to traffic-related air pollutants, particularly fine particulate matter, affects the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in older adults. It involves analyzing data from large cohorts of men and women to understand the relationship between air pollution and dementia, while also conducting experimental studies using mouse models to explore the biological mechanisms involved. The study aims to identify variations in risk based on factors like sex and genetic predispositions, particularly focusing on individuals with the ApoE4 allele. By combining epidemiological and experimental approaches, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how urban air pollution contributes to neurodegeneration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include older adults, particularly women over 65 and individuals with the ApoE4 genetic variant.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have a risk of Alzheimer's disease may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved public health strategies and interventions aimed at reducing Alzheimer's disease risk associated with air pollution.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown strong associations between air pollution and dementia risk, indicating that this research builds on established findings rather than exploring entirely novel territory.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Finch, Caleb E — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Finch, Caleb E
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.