Ruijia Chen, ScD

Social Epidemiologist

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In the News

Poor sleep may account for a large share of dementia cases

Science News | Feb 2, 2026

Insomnia could be connected to approximately 12 percent of dementia cases in the United States, highlighting the relationship between poor sleep quality and increased dementia risk.

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Could a Busier Social Life Be a Very Early Sign of Alzheimer’s?

UC San Francisco | Jun 23, 2025

Many experts believe that social isolation is a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease, but a new study found that the disease may make them more sociable — at least in its earliest stages.

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Here’s what your social life could say about your dementia risk

BBC Science Focus Magazine | Jun 21, 2025

Middle-aged people in the very early stages of Alzheimer’s disease may become more sociable, not less, according to a new major study.

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Link between loneliness, heart disease persists across different cultures

Penn State University | May 29, 2025

Data from South Korea and the United States suggests that the link between loneliness and cardiovascular disease exists outside different cultural and social norms.

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NIA F99/K00 Fellow Spotlight: Ruijia Chen on Social Determinants of Dementia Risk

National Institute on Aging (LinkedIn) | Aug 2024

As one of the first cohort of NIA F99/K00 awardees, Ruijia Chen reflects on how the award shaped her research on social determinants of dementia risk and disparities, facilitated connections with field leaders, and supported her career development.

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NIA F99/K00 Fellow Spotlight: Ruijia Chen on Conducting Meaningful Research

National Institute on Aging (LinkedIn) | Apr 18, 2024

Ruijia Chen shares career advice on the importance of understanding research subjects directly, how early qualitative work with older immigrants shaped her research approach, and the value of interdisciplinary collaboration across epidemiology, biostatistics, psychology, demography, and economics.

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After 2020 Increase, Excess Mortality among People with Dementia Drops in Year 2 of COVID

Boston University | Sep 8, 2023

Excess deaths associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias dropped substantially among adults 65 and older in nursing homes, but remained high for those living at home.

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COVID-19 Vaccines Saved Dementia Patients’ Lives in Nursing Homes

UC San Francisco | Jul 17, 2023

Deaths among older adults with dementia fell starkly in nursing homes and long-term care centers after COVID-19 vaccinations became available, yet remained high for those living at home.