Understanding resilience and social support in brain aging among American Indians
Official title: Resilience, cultural alignment, and social support in brain aging: the Strong Heart Study
Funded at Huntington Medical Research Institutes · NIH-11019327 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being resilient, connected to your culture, and having social support can help American Indian adults stay mentally healthy as they age, especially in the face of stress and conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Huntington Medical Research Institutes NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $629,112 |
| NIH project number | 7R01AG070822-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019327 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are American Indian adults who are experiencing or at risk for cognitive decline and related health issues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as American Indian or those who are not experiencing significant stressors related to aging may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how resilience, cultural alignment, and social support impact brain aging and cognitive health in American Indian populations. It aims to understand the relationship between chronic stress and neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer's disease, focusing on how social support and cultural identity can help mitigate these risks. By utilizing data from the Strong Heart Study, which includes a diverse cohort of American Indian adults, the research will analyze factors that contribute to healthier aging despite adversity. Participants will be engaged in discussions about their experiences and the role of their cultural background in their health outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for promoting cognitive health and resilience in American Indian communities.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cultural alignment and social support can positively influence health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Huntington Medical Research Institutes
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suchy-Dicey, Astrid M — Huntington Medical Research Institutes
- Study coordinator: Suchy-Dicey, Astrid M
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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.