Biosocial Pathways And Dementia Across Diverse Populations

Catherine Garcia (HDFS / ASI) PI,Pilot Project – Network On Education, Biosocial Pathways And Dementia Across Diverse Populations, University of Maryland / NIH / NIA, sub-award. 7/15/22-4/30/23

Hispanics/Latinos are the fastest-growing segment of older adults in the United States and are at high risk for cognitive impairment (CI) and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). While increased research attention has been given to the socioeconomic and cultural factors that influence the prevention, diagnosis, and care provided to Hispanics/Latinos with CI and ADRD, there are still theoretical and methodological gaps in clarifying the mechanisms and pathways that produce ADRD inequities. The proposed study aims to use multiple-group path analysis to discern and assess the effects between education, physiological factors, and cognitive function at baseline and follow-up among a diverse sample of older Hispanics/Latinos. Specifically, the project aims to understand better the pathways of social and material disadvantage and how they become biologically embedded.