SNIHP

Social Neuroscience in Health Psychology

Black Women: Inflammation and Tau Study

Overview

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?

Community Events

Join our study

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. 

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