Understanding Lifelong Health, Brain Changes, and Dementia Risk
Lifecourse health, cerebral pathology and differences in dementia risk (KHANDLE Study)
The KHANDLE project looks at how health and life experiences over many years affect memory and thinking abilities, especially for older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099992 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The KHANDLE project follows older adults to understand how their life experiences and health history influence their risk for memory and thinking problems, including Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Researchers collect comprehensive data on lifestyle, behavior, and medical history over many years. This also includes advanced brain imaging like PET and MRI scans to observe changes in the brain. Some participants generously contribute to brain donation, which allows scientists to directly examine brain pathology. This long-term approach helps us learn more about what causes dementia and how it progresses.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project focuses on older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above, from diverse backgrounds who have been part of the existing KHANDLE cohort.
Not a fit: Patients not enrolled in the established KHANDLE cohort would not directly participate in this specific phase of the research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand the lifelong factors that contribute to dementia, potentially leading to new ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
How similar studies have performed: This is a competitive renewal of an established long-term cohort study, building on extensive previous data collection and findings from its participants.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Whitmer, Rachel a — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Whitmer, Rachel a
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.