On the Heights: April 2026
April highlights include a special report on brain health, research on the impact of Michigan’s nutrition assistance programs, and awards for faculty and staff across departments.
Aging Results
Alzheimer's Association partners with NPHA team for new brain health report
Most Americans over 40 say brain health is just as important as physical health, but only 9% say they actually know how to maintain it.
While most people believe lifestyle behaviors matter for brain health, fewer than half connect those behaviors to actually reducing their risk of Alzheimer's or other dementias, according to a new Alzheimer’s Association report developed in partnership with U-M's National Poll on Healthy Aging at the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
Aging and the immune system: New research untangles massive datasets to build tools, uncover clues on how we age
A team of University of Michigan experts has received a federal grant to develop advanced statistical and computational methods for analyzing immune data to enhance our understanding of the immune system's role in aging and age-related diseases.
Cumulative lead exposure linked to increased Alzheimer's and dementia risk, U-M study finds
Researchers show bone lead from past environmental exposures increases dementia risk in older US adults
New U-M research reveals older adults with high cumulative lead exposure face nearly triple the Alzheimer's risk. The study suggests reducing population lead levels could prevent thousands of dementia cases annually.
Study pairs key air pollutants with home addresses to track progression of lost mobility through disability
Research traces 10 years of exposure to deteriorating mobility in older Americans
Long-term exposure to higher residential air pollution levels is associated with faster declines in physical function and reduced chances of recovery, according to a new U-M study. The research suggests cleaner air may allow people to stay stronger and more independent as they age.
Lingering legacy: Brazil's 'dictatorship gen' faces premature aging
A new University of Michigan study reveals that for many Black and Brown Brazilians, difficulty with mobility, memory, vision and hearing is worse amongst those in their 50s than in their 80s.