Understanding how daily activity patterns affect memory and dementia risk

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

If you are 21 or older and at risk for or living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias, this study will examine how all parts of a 24-hour day together affect brain health. Researchers will analyze data from a large existing cohort to see how sleep, light activity, sitting time, and more vigorous activity relate to cognitive function over time. The goal is to identify a “healthy 24-hours” pattern that could help preserve thinking skills and reduce dementia risk. This is an ancillary study using REGARDS data, focusing on diverse populations including African American adults. Findings could inform personalized lifestyle recommendations to support brain health.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Columbia University Health Sciences
  New York, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Diaz, Keith M — Columbia University Health Sciences
• Study coordinator: Diaz, Keith M

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Aging fat cells and their impact on memory and Alzheimer's disease

  Researchers are looking at whether aged, harmful cells in body fat send signals that damage the brain and speed memory loss in people at risk for Alzheimer's.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Science Center · San Antonio, United States · NIH-11397887

• SARS-CoV-2, APOE, and dementia: how COVID-19 affects thinking in aging and Alzheimer’s

  This NIH grant explores how COVID-19 may impact brain function and pathology in people with aging or Alzheimer's disease, including how APOE genes might influence the effects.

  NIH research University of Minnesota · Minneapolis, United States · NIH-11370014

• Understanding how sleep problems in older couples relate to thinking skills and Alzheimer's risk

  This project looks at how insomnia in older couples may influence memory and thinking over time, with the goal of better understanding Alzheimer’s disease progression.

  NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-11333382

• Hippocampal neurogenesis and its link to memory in Alzheimer’s disease

  This study investigates whether new brain cells form in the hippocampus of people with Alzheimer’s and how this may relate to memory and cognitive decline.

  NIH research University of Illinois at Chicago · Chicago, UNITED STATES · NIH-11325347

• How air quality and neighborhood design affect thinking and social connection in rural older adults

  This project uses wearables and daily surveys to look at whether air pollution, local neighborhood features, and social isolation affect thinking and memory in middle-aged and older rural adults.

  NIH research Florida Atlantic University · Boca Raton, United States · NIH-11311345

• How couples' sleep and daily routines affect memory and Alzheimer's risk

  This project explores whether shared sleep patterns and daily routines between older adults with mild cognitive problems and their partners influence memory and future Alzheimer's risk.

  NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11311288

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.