Understanding how discrimination in healthcare affects heart and brain health in older Black adults

Assessing the Impact of Discrimination in Healthcare on the Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health of Aging Black Adults

NIH-funded research Duke University · NIH-10954539

This study looks at how unfair treatment in healthcare affects the heart and brain health of Black adults aged 50 and older, aiming to understand the connection between these experiences and serious health issues like strokes and heart attacks, so we can help improve care for this community.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10954539 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the negative effects of discrimination experienced in healthcare settings on the cardiovascular and cognitive health of Black adults aged 50 and older. By analyzing data from the Health and Retirement Study, the project aims to uncover the links between healthcare discrimination and serious health outcomes like stroke and heart attacks. The study will employ rigorous epidemiological methods to assess how these experiences impact health over time, with a focus on improving patient-physician interactions for this historically marginalized group.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black adults aged 50 and older who have experienced discrimination in healthcare settings.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 50 or who do not identify as Black may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healthcare practices that enhance the cardiovascular and cognitive health of aging Black adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that discrimination in healthcare negatively impacts health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Durham, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.