The role of early educational contexts in differential genetic susceptibility to cognitive impairment and dementia

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PROJECT SUMMARY Although education is often cited as the most important protective factor against Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias (ADRD), most research in this area ignores the educational contexts in which that schooling took place. Moreover, it has yet to consider whether and how early educational contexts shape the relationship between genetics and ADRD, even though there is a strong genetic component to ADRD. Over the last several years, I have been developing a research program to advance scientific understanding of the role of education in dementia risk. This Mid-Career Independent Scientist (K02) award proposal builds upon this foundation by expanding my expertise in education and ADRD to the field of genetics. My long-term career goal is to establish myself as a national and international expert in ADRD. To achieve this goal, I have identified four objectives as part of the K02 project: 1) develop knowledge of and advanced analytic skills in using genetic markers of ADRD and polygenic risk scores for cognitive impairment and dementia; 2) cultivate new collaborations with established social scientists who have expertise in using genetic data in population studies broadly as well as specific to ADRD; 3) extend my currently funded research (R01AG067536) to examine how genetic susceptibility to cognitive impairment and dementia interacts with early educational contexts and may result in differential risk for cognitive decline and impairment; and 4) apply the data and knowledge gained from the K02 award to secure additional R01 and P30-level funding to support my research program in ADRD and build institutional capacity in aging and ADRD at the University of Maryland, College Park and the Washington D.C. area. To achieve my K02 objectives, I have established a team of collaborators who are leading ADRD researchers or social scientists with expertise in genetics and who will jointly contribute to my professional development as a gene (G) x environment (E) researcher in ADRD. Further, I have the institutional support and environment necessary to carry out the project. The K02 award will accelerate my research program and establish me as a senior investigator in aging and ADRD by providing me with protected time to develop strategic collaborations, skillsets, and knowledge in the genetic and biological underpinnings of ADRD. Findings from the K02 project will advance scientific understanding of how genetic and environmental factors interact and result in differential brain health and functioning, an NIA research priority area, and can inform policies aimed at reducing dementia prevalence in future cohorts of older adults. Importantly, my prior scholarly, funding, and mentoring success provide evidence that I can translate the protected time and training provided by the K02 into exponential professional growth and scientific impact.