Claudia Suemoto Wins $500,000 Dementia Research Award to Probe Genetic and Environmental Risks
Updated
Updated · Texas Public Radio · Jul 19
Claudia Suemoto Wins $500,000 Dementia Research Award to Probe Genetic and Environmental Risks
1 articles · Updated · Texas Public Radio · Jul 19
Summary
$500,000 from a UT System Faculty STARs award will fund new equipment for Claudia Suemoto to study how genetic and environmental factors interact in dementia development.
Suemoto says the work is urgent because global dementia cases are expected to triple by 2050 and no health system is prepared for a large surge in older patients.
Her research is mapping modifiable dementia risks in South Texas, including inactivity, ultra-processed diets, air pollution and social isolation.
Suemoto says changes started around age 35—such as more exercise, healthier food and sustained mental engagement—could lower later-life Alzheimer's and cerebrovascular disease risk.
With dementia linked to air quality and city design, how much control do we truly have over our own brain health?
Could treating hearing loss be a more effective dementia prevention strategy than any available Alzheimer's drug?
South Texas Dementia Crisis: $500,000 STARs Award Empowers Dr. Claudia Suemoto to Address Modifiable Risk Factors and Disparities
Overview
The $500,000 UT System Faculty STARs award, allocated to Dr. Claudia Suemoto at UT San Antonio, is a major boost for dementia research in South Texas. This funding will be used to acquire advanced equipment and upgrade infrastructure at the Glenn Biggs Institute, greatly enhancing research capabilities. These improvements will allow for deeper investigations into the genetic and environmental factors unique to the region, helping researchers better understand dementia risk and progression. Ultimately, the goal is to develop more effective prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the needs of South Texas communities.