Neurocognitive Aging, Health Disparities Research and Education

Abstract. The stark disparities in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) incidence and outcomes across racial and ethnic groups are urgent issues necessitating further research. We also need further investigation in identifying and deciphering both modifiable risk factors, including obesity, physical activity,

socioeconomic environments, as well as genetics and/or the combined effect of gene-environment interactions associated with neurocognitive aging deficits in diverse populations. The availability of open-access data allows us the opportunity to more readily address multiple variables and factors associated with neurocognitive

aging across various ethnic/racial groups. Therefore, this supplement aims to examine ADRD health disparities within and between racial/ethnic groups via leveraging large open-access datasets, as well as develop corresponding curricula workshops. (1). Research Aims: To examine the association between

modifiable risk factors, ADRD markers (genetic, protein and imaging), gene-by-environment interactions, and co-morbid conditions with neurocognitive aging and ADRD outcomes across racial/ethnic groups in three large open-access data: the National Alzheimer’s Coordinating Center (NACC), the Global Alzheimer’s Association

Interactive Network (GAAIN) and All of Us. 1a. To investigate, via the NACC dataset, the relationship between co-morbid conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, hormone-related cancers with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia (specifically AD) within and between NHW, Hispanic and Black groups. Hypothesis: Co-

morbid conditions are associated with MCI and AD dementia, and that the relationship varies between racial/ethnic groups. 1b. To investigate, via GAAIN, the association between obesity and APOE4, ADRD markers (beta-amyloid (Aß), tau and brain structure) and respective epigenetic risk factors with ADRD

outcomes across the Hispanic diaspora. Hypothesis: Obesity and APOE4, ADRD markers [beta-amyloid (Aß), tau and brain structure] are associated with ADRD, and varies across the Hispanic diaspora globally. 1c. To explore, via All of Us, the association between obesity, physical activity and socioeconomic risk factors with

dementia and dementia across NHW, Hispanics and Blacks. Hypothesis: Obesity, physical activity and socioeconomic risk factors are associated with dementia and will vary by race/ethnicity. Where feasible, all hypotheses will be tested and compared across all three datasets. In addition, we will apply both traditional

and modern machine learning techniques to these datasets. (2). Training Aim: To develop curricula for utilization, access, data content, and exploratory analyses of the three open-access datasets/platforms. The curricula will be offered and evaluated via workshops for diverse CSUF students (n = 10 per three workshop

series). Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) program and mentorship components will be evaluated as well.