Understanding how stroke and brain aging differ across Black Americans and the Southeast over time
Official title: Understanding Cohort Effects on Stroke, VCID, and Cognition After Major Epidemiologic Transitions
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11205052 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A long-term study of a large US cohort looks at why stroke and brain aging differ by race and region, to help Black Americans and people in the Southeast stay healthier as society changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2001 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $8,061,151 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS041588-23 |
| Project ID | NIH-11205052 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults in the United States, particularly Black Americans and residents of the Southeast Stroke Belt, who are part of or eligible for long-term observational follow-up.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals outside high-risk racial/geographic groups or those not enrolled in the REGARDS cohort may have limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses data from the REGARDS cohort, tracking tens of thousands of adults over many years to map how stroke risk, cognitive decline, and dementia relate to race, geography, and social factors. Researchers will analyze biomarkers, brain injury indicators, and lifestyle factors to understand how major societal changes affect brain health. The goal is to identify contributing factors and timing of disparities so that prevention and care strategies can be tailored to high-risk communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Findings could lead to targeted prevention and treatment approaches to reduce stroke and cognitive decline in high-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: The REGARDS cohort has produced more than 700 publications, indicating substantial value and precedent for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Judd, Suzanne E — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Judd, Suzanne E
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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.