Understanding How Early Life Experiences and Support Affect Brain Health and Aging
Adult Cognitive and Neurobiological Indicators of Aging: Impact of Adversity and Social Support
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA · NIH-11110342
This research explores how difficult experiences and supportive relationships throughout life influence brain health and thinking abilities as people get older.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11110342 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
We are looking at information from a special group of individuals who have been followed since birth to understand how early life challenges and supportive connections shape their brain development and cognitive function over time. By using advanced brain imaging and other biological markers, we hope to see how these life experiences might speed up or slow down the aging process in the brain. We also want to learn if positive social relationships, especially good caregiving in childhood, can protect against the negative effects of adversity. This work aims to fill important gaps in our understanding of how aging begins and how life events affect our development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research uses existing data from individuals who have been part of a long-term study since birth, now in middle adulthood.
Not a fit: Individuals not part of the specific Minnesota Longitudinal Study of Risk and Adaptation would not directly benefit from participation in this particular grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us understand how to prevent or lessen the negative effects of early life adversity on brain aging and promote healthier cognitive function later in life.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel because it uses a prospective, multilevel design with data collected from birth to adulthood, unlike most concurrent or retrospective studies.
Where this research is happening
MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA — MINNEAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CARLSON, ELIZABETH A — UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
- Study coordinator: CARLSON, ELIZABETH A
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 below.