Brain Healthy Soul Food Diet Intervention Among Older African Americans

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PROJECT SUMMARY AD is the 4th leading cause of death among African Americans and African Americans are two to three times more likely to develop AD compared to non-Hispanic Caucasians. Given the high prevalence of diabetes and obesity and the emerging evidence that up to 50% of AD cases are a result of modifiable risk factors, prevention strategies may play a critical role in reducing AD risk for AAs. Previous research has indicated that adherence to healthy diets such as the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurogenerative Delay (MIND) help slow cognitive decline among adults 65 years and older. However, adherence and acceptability of such diets remain low among African Americans, due to lack of cultural considerations. Thus, there is a critical need for the development of a culturally adapt brain healthy diet that is congruent with African American cultural values and food preferences. Creating a culturally relevant brain healthy diet for African Americans, will enhance both acceptability and adherence which are essential to lifestyle behavioral changes. The proposed project aligns well with the NIA Strategic Directions for Research Goal C-3: Develop interventions for treating, preventing, or mitigating the impact of age-related diseases and condition; by meaningfully incorporating a culturally tailored approach to an adapted diet intervention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular risk factors related to AD and to maintain independence among older African Americans. Specifically, Dr. Shaw plans to address the following specific aims (1) develop an adapted brain healthy soul food diet intervention; (2) pilot test an adapted brain- healthy soul food diet intervention; (3) explore the effect of the adapted brain-healthy soul food diet intervention of cognitive function as preliminary data to design a RCT. To achieve these specific aims, Dr. Shaw will work with a highly skilled mentorship team (Drs. Jeffrey Burns, Debra Sullivan, and Janette Berkley-Patton) and consultants (Dr. Crystal Glover and Mr. Broderick Crawford) to build four areas of expertise relevant to the research agenda: (1) ARDR clinical trial design and implementation (2) cultural tailoring of established diets (3) qualitative design and analysis (4) community-based research design. The K01 award will enhance Dr. Shaw's capabilities to successfully transition into an independent researcher who has expertise in the development and evaluation of culturally tailored lifestyle interventions to reduce AD risk among African Americans. Results of the proposed research will enhance our understanding of how AA culture influences current dietary practice, adherence, acceptability, and feasibility of a brain-healthy diet for older AA. Results will also positively impact the development of R01 scale RCT to test the efficacy of an adapted brain-healthy diet intervention among older AA across a larger geographical area.