The Black American United Memory & Aging Project (BA-UMAP): An examination of cognitive decline in midlife and older Black adults using remote cognitive assessments, risk factors & biomarkers

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Project Summary More research on the multi-level factors impacting the higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias among Black adults is critically needed. The overall goal of this project is to increase our understanding of the biopsychosocial factors that impact cognitive outcomes in a cohort of 600 longitudinally followed middle-aged and older Black adults (aged 55+). This cohort, referred to as the Black American United Memory and Aging Project (BA-UMAP), will be established and maintained remotely using an innovative online, faceless enrollment and data collection strategy, and will involve: (a) a comprehensive assessment of biopsychosocial factors through online questionnaires; (b) annual cognitive assessments, administered remotely via computer and mobile devices; (c) the remote collection of non-invasive saliva and urine samples at baseline and Year 4; and (d) the utilization and integration of digital media platforms for creating a virtual community that provides outreach and education, and fosters trust. The overall objectives of this study are to: (1) prospectively evaluate cognitive functioning and identify preferences for remote cognitive assessment modalities; (2) identify sociocultural, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with cross-sectional cognitive functioning and longitudinal cognitive decline, and (3) examine the association of acquired biological risk factors, inclusive of family and health history, and salivary and urine biomarkers, to cognitive functioning and cognitive decline. This research is a necessary step in understanding the etiology of cognitive decline in this growing population, for informing relevant intervention strategies, reducing dementia rates and disparities, and ultimately advancing health equity.