Understanding how stress and neighborhood conditions affect brain health in older Black Americans
Official title: Examining the Role of Allostatic Load and Neighborhood Disadvantage in Cognitive Function Trajectories among Midlife and Older Black Americans
Funded at Xavier University of Louisiana · NIH-10937710 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how long-term stress affects thinking and memory in midlife and older Black Americans, especially considering how tough neighborhoods can make things worse, and it hopes to find ways to help improve brain health for people in these communities.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xavier University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R16NS141736-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10937710 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are midlife and older Black Americans who may be experiencing cognitive decline or are at risk for Alzheimer's disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 50 years old or those not identifying as Black Americans may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how allostatic load, which reflects the cumulative wear and tear on the body from chronic stress, influences cognitive function in midlife and older Black Americans. It aims to understand the role of neighborhood disadvantage, such as socioeconomic status and social cohesion, in exacerbating the effects of stress on brain health. By analyzing data from a national health study, the research seeks to identify key factors that contribute to cognitive decline in this population. The findings could help inform targeted interventions to improve cognitive health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing cognitive decline in older Black Americans by addressing the impacts of stress and neighborhood conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social determinants, including neighborhood conditions, significantly impact health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thierry, Amy — Xavier University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Thierry, Amy
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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.