Einstein Aging Study

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Abstract The Einstein Aging Study (EAS) has long focused on the risk factors and cognitive changes that predict the subsequent onset of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s dementia and related dementias (ADRD). The study is based on a community based cohort of older adults from Bronx County, NY. In the current funding period, we have developed novel intensive longitudinal methods to assess cognitive status and risk factors for ADRD using ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methods. These improve upon some limitations of single-shot clinic based assessments, providing measures of cognitive function in everyday life, enabling analyses of within person variability in cognitive function, and capturing data on exposures in “real-time” versus retrospective recall. The novel ambulatory measures are combined with robust clinic-based measures of cognitive performance, biomarkers, health status and health behaviors to identify early cognitive changes and decline and modifiable risk factors in the pre-clinical phase of ADRD. We have recently submitted a renewal P01 application for the EAS in response to the funding opportunity PAR- 19-314 (January 25, 2021) that will extend this work by utilizing mobile devices to capture the dynamic time-varying nature of risk factors and cognitive performance as participants engage in their usual daily activities in order to elucidate pathways linking behavioral, social/emotional and metabolic health, as well as environmental factors to early cognitive decline. Capitalizing on the increasing diversity of the EAS community, the project includes emphasis on examining social factors related to racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive health. In order to accomplish the P01s goals, it is important to keep intact the EAS established infrastructure (including valued staff who connect with participants and help with retention), continue the comprehensive characterization of the existing cohort, avoid gaps in ascertainment of outcomes and time varying exposures, maintain data quality, continue existing collaborations and obtain brains and perform autopsies for EAS participants in the ”Gift of Autopsy” program. The EAS has made significant contributions to cognitive aging research. Above and beyond contributions linked to project aims, the diverse, community-based cohort is recognized as a valuable resource that is used in numerous national and international collaborative projects. In this supplement, we request bridge funding to maintain high retention of the existing racially/ethnically diverse cohort and maintain the critically established infrastructure while the renewal application is under consideration. The current EAS funding period ends on May 31, 2021. If funded based on the January 25th submission, the start date would not begin until December 1, 2021. If necessary, the resubmission date in response to PAR- 19-314 would be in September, 2021, with a start date of June 1, 2021.