Understanding how aging affects brain function, walking, and thinking skills
Official title: Trajectories and modifiable risk factors of brain, gait, and cognitive decline in aging and pre-dementia
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11052249 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how getting older affects your brain health, walking, and thinking skills, especially for those who might be starting to have some memory or thinking challenges, to find ways to help improve your quality of life as you age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $101,613 |
| NIH project number | 3R01AG062659-05S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052249 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those who are cognitively healthy or in the early stages of cognitive decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced dementia or severe mobility impairments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how aging impacts brain health, walking ability, and cognitive function in older adults. It focuses on identifying the changes in brain structure and function that may lead to difficulties in walking and thinking, particularly in those who are starting to experience cognitive decline. By analyzing these changes, the research aims to uncover modifiable risk factors that could help improve the quality of life for older adults. Participants will be monitored over time to track their brain health and walking patterns, providing valuable insights into the aging process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that help prevent or slow down cognitive decline and improve mobility in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between gait and cognitive decline, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blumen, Helena M — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Blumen, Helena M
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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.