Data Core

Data Management and Statistical Core – Project Summary The mission of the Data Management and Statistical Core (DMSC) is to promote excellence in the Wake Forest ADRC by providing outstanding data management, biomedical computing, and analytical support to ADRC investigators and affiliates. The Wake Forest ADRC has four overarching aims: 1) to establish a

comprehensive integrated research infrastructure at Wake Forest focused on identifying the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) and potential strategies for prevention and treatment; 2) to develop within this infrastructure specialized resources to facilitate research on the role of metabolic and

vascular pathways in AD pathogenesis and on targeted development of therapeutic strategies; 3) to optimize the participation of African American adults in research and educational programs to better understand and treat the causes underlying the increased risk of ADRD in these individuals; and 4) to provide education

regarding ADRD to researchers, health professionals, patients and their families, and the community at large. To accomplish these objectives, the DMSC will: 1) provide and maintain state-of-the-art resources for data management, study management, and reporting to ensure the highest data quality and study integrity and to

increase the efficiency and impact of ADRC research; 2) provide expertise and collaboration in study design, clinical trials, biostatistics and other analytical sciences (including measurement, image analysis, modelling, statistical genetics, bioinformatics, and biomathematics) for Wake Forest ADRC-affiliated projects; 3) develop

and maintain efficient and secure platforms for the exchange of data within the Wake Forest ADRC and with NACC, NCRAD, other ADRCs, and ADRD researchers; 4) mine our extensive library of data from major studies of cognition and AD to facilitate efficient study design, provide a platform for pooled analyses, and

provide resources to facilitate the development of ADRD researchers, and 5) provide a bridge between ADRD and gerontology/geroscience researchers in the ADRC and the Pepper Older American Independence Center (OAIC) to leverage existing expertise and resources and nurture novel approaches. The DMSC has a breadth

of relevant experience, a diverse analytical team, a strong collaborative environment, many extant resources for study management, an extensive archive of cognitive data from many major studies, and a proven robust data management infrastructure. These are the essential facets and notable strengths of our ADRC.