Understanding how sensory changes and aging in midlife relate to Alzheimer's and dementia
Official title: The Beaver Dam Offspring Study Neurocognitive Aging Study (BOSS-NCAS)-A Study on the Role of Accelerated Aging and Midlife Sensory Decline for Early Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia in Later Life
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11122200 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how changes in hearing, vision, and smell, along with signs of aging in middle age, might predict the risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias later in life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $708,983 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG079289-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11122200 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are previous participants of the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS) who were between 21 and 84 years old at the baseline examination.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not part of the existing Beaver Dam Offspring Study cohort would not directly benefit from participation in this specific follow-up.
What this research studies
This project builds on a long-term health observation called the Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS). We are looking at how changes in your senses—like hearing, vision, and smell—along with certain signs of aging in midlife, might be connected to developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias later on. Participants will undergo detailed examinations, including hearing and eye tests, smell identification, and a range of cognitive tests. We will also review medical records, speak with caregivers, and analyze blood samples for markers related to Alzheimer's. Our goal is to understand these connections better to help identify people at risk earlier.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help identify early risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, potentially leading to earlier detection and prevention strategies.
How similar studies have gone: This study builds upon an established longitudinal cohort, extending previous findings on aging and health, and incorporates novel biomarkers.
Where this research is happening
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merten, Natascha — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Merten, Natascha
Related research
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Beaver Dam Offspring Study: How midlife senses and aging markers relate to early Alzheimer’s and dementia
This study follows adults who previously participated in a long-term cohort to see if midlife changes in hearing, vision, smell, and aging biomarkers can predict later risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
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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.