Understanding brain changes related to aging and Alzheimer's disease risk
Official title: Brain Connectomics of Cognitive Aging and Vulnerability to Alzheimer's Disease
Funded at Texas A&m University · NIH-11181845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the connections in our brains and our financial situations might affect how we think as we get older and our chances of developing Alzheimer's, with the hope of finding ways to predict and lower that risk for people who are currently healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $128,578 |
| NIH project number | 7K01AG084815-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cognitively healthy older adults, particularly those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, who may be at risk for cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with existing Alzheimer's disease or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how changes in brain connectivity and socioeconomic factors influence cognitive aging and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. By using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the study aims to identify biomarkers that can predict individual vulnerability to Alzheimer's in cognitively healthy individuals. The research also explores how socioeconomic status may affect these brain changes and cognitive decline over time. Ultimately, the goal is to improve risk prediction and develop potential interventions to reduce Alzheimer's risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prediction of Alzheimer's disease risk and inform targeted interventions to help maintain cognitive health in aging individuals.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in using neuroimaging to understand cognitive aging and Alzheimer's risk, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Rongxiang — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Tang, Rongxiang
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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.