Extensive health disparities exist in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and in AD research for the Black community. Through a longitudinal observational study using blood-based markers of inflammation, insulin resistance, pathological tau, and measures of physical activity, we aim to answer the following questions in Black women:
How do levels of inflammatory markers and insulin resistance relate to changes in tau deposition and cognitive performance over time?
Does physical activity represent a protective factor against tau spread and cognitive decline, possibly through its beneficial effects on inflammation and insulin resistance?
How do social determinants of health impact these relationships?
We are seeking Black/African American women aged 65 years or older who may be at-risk for Alzheimer’s disease by way of subjective memory complaints, and/or familial history of Alzheimer’s disease and/or memory performance.
This work is a collaboration with researchers at UCSD and receives funding from the National Institute on Aging.