Understanding how air pollution affects brain aging and cognitive decline
Official title: Extracellular vesicles in Environmental Epidemiology Studies of Aging
Funded at Harvard School of Public Health · NIH-11058736 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how air pollution might affect brain health and memory as we age, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how our environment can impact our thinking skills over time.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard School of Public Health NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $826,656 |
| NIH project number | 7R35ES031688-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058736 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals exposed to air pollution who are concerned about their cognitive health, particularly older adults.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not exposed to significant air pollution or who do not have concerns about cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of air pollution on brain aging and cognitive decline, focusing on how early biological responses can indicate future age-related diseases. The study aims to develop biomarkers that can detect the effects of air pollution on cognitive function before significant symptoms appear. By utilizing advanced techniques to analyze extracellular vesicles released by cells, researchers hope to identify changes in brain health linked to environmental exposures. This approach combines human studies with laboratory experiments to create a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to early detection methods for cognitive decline, allowing for timely interventions to improve brain health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the effects of environmental factors on cognitive aging, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard School of Public Health
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baccarelli, Andrea — Harvard School of Public Health
- Study coordinator: Baccarelli, Andrea
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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.