Understanding how diverse daily activities affect brain health in older adults
Official title: Aging, activity diversity, and brain health
Funded at Brandeis University · NIH-10866996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how everyday activities can help keep your brain healthy and your mood positive as you get older, especially for those concerned about Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brandeis University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waltham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $457,445 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG086729-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those aged 21 and above, who are interested in maintaining or improving their cognitive and emotional health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in the age range of 21 and above or those who do not have concerns related to cognitive decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between daily life activities and brain health in older adults, focusing on how these activities influence cognitive function and emotional well-being. By utilizing behavioral assessments, neuroimaging techniques, and naturalistic observations, the study aims to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms that connect activity participation with cognitive resilience, particularly in the context of Alzheimer's disease. The research will explore how engaging in a variety of activities may help maintain cognitive abilities and emotional health as people age.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that enhance cognitive health and emotional well-being in older adults, potentially delaying the onset or progression of Alzheimer's disease.
How similar studies have gone: While there is a strong theoretical basis for the connections being explored, this research represents a novel approach that has not been rigorously tested in humans before.
Where this research is happening
-
Brandeis University
Waltham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berry, Anne Shively — Brandeis University
- Study coordinator: Berry, Anne Shively
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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.