Understanding Alzheimer’s risk and resilience in Black Americans over 20 years
Official title: ADRD risk and resilience among Black Americans: A 20-year longitudinal study
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11051397 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at what helps or hurts brain health in Black Americans, especially since they are more likely to face Alzheimer's and similar conditions, and it aims to find ways to support better cognitive health for middle-aged and older adults from different backgrounds across the country.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 21, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,059,015 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AG087121-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051397 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include Black adults and adolescents, particularly those in middle-age or older, who may be at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of Black descent or those who are not within the age range of middle-aged to older adults may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the factors that influence cognitive health among Black Americans, who are at a higher risk for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. By analyzing data from a long-term survey, the study aims to identify both risk and protective factors affecting cognitive functioning in middle-aged and older adults. Participants will be drawn from a diverse range of backgrounds across the United States, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of how various psychosocial and environmental factors contribute to cognitive health. The findings could inform culturally relevant prevention and intervention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias in Black Americans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in identifying risk factors for cognitive decline in diverse populations, but this specific longitudinal approach focusing on Black Americans is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mezuk, Briana — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Mezuk, Briana
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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.