Understanding how our brains change as we get older
Biological predictors of brain aging trajectories
This work helps us understand why some people's brains stay sharp longer than others as they get older.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10875706 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that everyone's brain ages differently, with some people experiencing faster changes in memory and thinking than others. This project aims to uncover the biological reasons, like inflammation or blood vessel health, and lifestyle factors that contribute to these differences. We are carefully following a group of older adults, collecting detailed information on their thinking abilities, brain structure, and overall health over time. We also look at new blood markers related to Alzheimer's and use devices to track sleep and physical activity in real-time. This helps us build a complete picture of what influences how our brains age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults who are currently healthy and do not have significant memory or thinking problems.
Not a fit: Patients already experiencing advanced Alzheimer's disease or severe cognitive decline may not directly benefit from this specific observational work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to predict and prevent unwanted changes in brain health as we age, allowing for more personalized care.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous work and aims to clarify the complex interplay of factors influencing brain aging, rather than testing a completely novel approach.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kramer, Joel H — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Kramer, Joel H
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.