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National Survey of American Life (NSAL) Project Overview

The National Survey of American Life (NSAL), launched in 2001, was the first-ever, nationwide study to deeply explore mental health among Black Americans. Beyond groundbreaking research, NSAL helped us understand how stress, cultural background, and life experiences shape well-being in this population. Now, 25 years later, the new wave of the NSAL will revisit this unique cohort—unlocking new insights on how early and mid-life factors influence the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias.

The current NSAL project is headquartered at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research and is led by Dr. Briana Mezuk. Professional interviewers will administer 2.5-hour, in-person surveys covering topics such as mental health, physical health, neighborhood characteristics, major life events, social support from family and friends, religion, and exposure to various types of stressors. Being able to re-interview the same people as before will be invaluable for studying the impact of various factors as people age.

For more information on the NSAL project, please visit this website: NSAL Site

Interviewer Experiences on NSAL

About the Project

About The University of Michigan

The University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, is one of the leading public research universities globally. Established in 1817, it is renowned for its multidisciplinary approach and a wide range of academic programs that include over 200 undergraduate majors, and numerous graduate and professional degrees. The university is also famous for its optimistic sports culture, represented by its Wolverines, and its bold school color, maize and blue. Featuring some of the most distinguished faculty in the world, it provides an innovative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating environment for both students and staff. With a rich and vibrant presence in arts, humanities, sciences, and engineering, the University of Michigan stands as an emblem of academic excellence and diversity.

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