Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Memphis received a $365,000 Project Grant from the National Institute on Aging under the Aging Research program (CFDA 93.866), awarded July 1, 2026, with a completion date of June 30, 2028. This research initiative examines the impact of cumulative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use on dementia risk among rural community-dwelling older adults over a 10-year period (2015-2024). The study utilizes data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a nationally representative panel study of U.S. Medicare enrollees aged 65 and older, tracking ICT adoption patterns (including smartphones, computers, and internet use) and corresponding dementia risk outcomes while accounting for individual characteristics (age, education, health status) and neighborhood factors (broadband access, neighborhood deprivation, social cohesion).

The research delivers critical analysis of how ICT use variations across demographic groups—stratified by race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and rurality spectrum—influence cognitive health outcomes in underserved rural populations. Findings are intended to inform policy recommendations addressing internet access, affordability, digital skills training, and social connectivity initiatives tailored to rural seniors. This project supports the National Institute on Aging's mission to advance understanding of age-related conditions, with particular relevance to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias prevention and intervention strategies in geographically disadvantaged communities.