Frontiers in Dementia (Nov 2024)

The African American Dementia and Aging Project: an Oregon-based longitudinal study

  • Allison Lindauer,
  • Allison Lindauer,
  • Raina Croff,
  • Raina Croff,
  • Kevin Duff,
  • Kevin Duff,
  • Nora Mattek,
  • Nora Mattek,
  • Patrice Fuller,
  • Patrice Fuller,
  • Aimee Pierce,
  • Aimee Pierce,
  • Kalisha Bonds Johnson,
  • Jeffrey Kaye,
  • Jeffrey Kaye

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/frdem.2024.1498835
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 3

Abstract

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IntroductionThe vast majority of studies on aging, cognition, and dementia focus on non-Hispanic white subjects. This paper adds to the extant literature by providing insight into the African American aging experience. Here we describe the study design and baseline characteristics of the African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt) study, which is exploring aging and cognition in African American older adults in Oregon.MethodsAfrican American older adults (n = 177) participated in AADAPt, a longitudinal study that collected data on cognitive, physical, and social functioning in annual visits since 2000.ResultsAADAPt participants had risk factors for developing dementia in future, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, but also reported protective factors such as high social engagement.DiscussionThe AADAPt project offers new insights into aging in older African Americans that includes data on cognition, social engagement, and physical health, which are crucial for understanding the experience of under-represented groups and making future studies more inclusive.

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