Understanding how hurricanes impact older adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias
Preventing Deaths Among Older Americans with Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Related Dementias Exposed to Hurricanes
This study looks at how hurricanes affect older adults with Alzheimer's and similar conditions, focusing on how these storms can disrupt their daily lives and health, so we can find better ways to keep them safe during disasters.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10739038 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of hurricanes on older adults living with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). It aims to understand how disasters disrupt essential services and daily routines, potentially leading to health declines and increased mortality. By analyzing healthcare, death, and weather data from hurricanes between 2001 and 2018, the study seeks to identify specific causes of death and the role of social vulnerability in these outcomes. The ultimate goal is to improve disaster preparedness and policy planning to protect this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or related dementias living in hurricane-prone areas.
Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have Alzheimer's disease or related dementias may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to strategies that significantly reduce mortality rates among older adults with ADRD during and after hurricanes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated increased mortality among older adults with ADRD following hurricane exposure, suggesting that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bell, Susan Anne — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Bell, Susan Anne
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.