Funded studies run by our lab

A Life Course Approach to Integrating Trauma and Cognitive Aging: A Cohort of 9/11 Responders.

NIH/NIA R01 AG049953 (Sean A. P. Clouston, PI; Lab Co-I’s: Diminich, Deri, Kritkos)

The events of September 11th, 2001 traumatized many of the men and women who aided in rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero. In 2014, we began the first cognitive monitoring study of World Trade Center responders and have since identified associations between particulate exposures, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cognitive symptoms consistent with preclinical Alzheimer’s disease.

Social inequalities and the onset of Alzheimer’s pathology: The role of Race/Ethnicity, cognitive reserve, and occupational complexity.

NIH/NIA RF1 AG058595 (Sean A. P. Clouston, PI; Lab Co-I’s: Hanes, Natale)

Efforts to identify correlates of Alzheimer’s pathology have been limited by a lack of sensitivity in statistical models for preclinical forms of Alzheimer’s disease. This study works to define cognitive decline using the shape of cognitive decline and seeks to examine four domains of social disadvantage that may be associated with increased risk of Alzheimer’s pathology.

Burden and change in Alzheimers disease neuropathology in aging World Trade Center responders

NIH/NIA R01 AG067590 (Sean A. P. Clouston, PI; Lab Co-I’s: Kritikos, Diminich)

World Trade Center (WTC) responders were exposed to tiny dust particles as they participated in rescue and recovery efforts at the WTC in the aftermath of 9/11/2001. Since then, we have determined that many have developed cognitive impairment indicative of a neurodegenerative disease.  The proposed study will examine Beta-Amyloid and Tau burden using positron emission tomography (PET) combined with magnetic resonance neuroimaging (MRI) on a subset of individuals to determine if there is evidence of neuropathology consistent with Alzheimer’s disease.

Funded studies in which lab members participate

SCH: Advancing Language-based Analyses of Social Media to Reliably Monitor Variation in Population Mental Health.

R01 MH125702 (Schwartz, PI; Clouston, Co-I)                                 01/01/21-11/30/24

The central goal of this study is methodological in that it hopes to improve the use of online social media to help with estimation of trends in poorer mental health across place and over time.

Pilot Study: Comparative Cognitive Health Changes in Low-Income Settings

P30 AG012836, (Kohler, PI; Kohler & Clouston, Pilot Co-PI)                       07/01/20-06/30/22

Understand the comparability of cognitive testing and results in the Malawi Lifelong Family and Health Study (MLSFH).

Evaluation of Multivariate Causal Factors Linking the Flynn Effect to Declining Dementia Trends and Cognitive Aging

NIH/NIA R01 AG067621 (Scott M. Hofer, PI; Lab Co-Is: Clouston, Mann)

Trends in Alzheimer’s disease appear to indicate reductions in incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. The goal of this study is to determine whether cohort or period effects help to understand this reduction in incidence.

Personality-informed care model for 9/11-related comorbid conditions

CDC/NIOSH U01 OH011321 (Roman Kotov, PI; Lab Co-Is: Clouston)

Co-occurrence of medical and psychiatric illness is very persistent and prevalent in World Trade Center (WTC) responders following the attacks of 9/11, impairing their daily functioning and treatment outcomes and utilization. For the first time, the proposed study will identify modifiable personality-informed risk factors, resilience characteristics, and mechanisms for maintenance of comorbid conditions, as well as propose, and test, using a proof-of-concept randomized control trial, a system of personality-informed interventions to improve care of vulnerable individuals. This study will inform planning of WTC-Health Program services and patient care, and will advance science by helping to illuminate the etiology of complex comorbidities.

Trajectories of Aging in Psychotic Disorders Over 27 Years

NIH/NIMH R01 MH110314 (Roman Kotov, PI; Lab Co-Is: Clouston, Natale)

The aim of this project is to investigate premature aging in serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, over 27 years and to the identify factors that lead to better or worse outcomes. This research will produce a detailed and unbiased picture of age-related changes in health, intellectual abilities, and physical capabilities. This information can guide improvement in care for the serious mental illness and prevention of premature mortality.

The role of personality in cognitive aging and dementia

NIH/NIA R01 AG060933 (Stacey B. Scott, PI; Lab Co-Is: Clouston)

The proposed research is relevant to public health because the identification of personality-related risk factors for and indicators of cognitive decline and dementia is expected to increase understanding of possible interventions and increase early detection. The proposed research is relevant to the part of NIH’s mission that pertains to developing fundamental knowledge to protect health.