|
Reno-neurovascular Imaging Predictors of Dementia Inequity in Racially Minoritized Americans
Adam Bush, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering, UT Austin
Alexandra Clark, Assistant Professor, Psychology, UT Austin
This study will probe the underlying mechanism of Alzheimer's Disease and vascular dementia by evaluating the disproportionate incidence of brain disease minoritized older adults. Our interdisciplinary research team (engineering and psychology) will use cognitive testing, ambulatory monitoring and advanced functional and microstructural MRI to test whether shared vascular mechanisms result in concurrent kidney and brain injury (reno-neurovascular injury). Thereby, success in this work will promote the health of all people.
Associations between Inflammation and Metabolic Functioning on Daily Cognitive Functioning and Emotional Wellbeing among Latinx Midlife Adults
Mateo Farina, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences, UT Austin
Elizabeth Muñoz, Assistant Professor, Human Development and Family Sciences, UT Austin
Heather Cuevas, Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, UT Austin
This project examines how inflammation and metabolic functioning are associated with daily changes in cognitive functioning in Latino older adults 45-65 in the Austin over a two-year period. We use biomarkers of inflammation, metabolic functioning, and neurodegeneration obtained at the start of the study and changes in glucose throughout a two-week period. Data collection from this study will provide valuable insight into potential biosocial mechanisms of daily life that shape Latino health.
Healthcare Disparities and Barriers to Care among Sexual and Racial/Ethnic Minorities in Middle and Late Adulthood
Ning Hsieh, Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Michigan State University
This project investigates healthcare disparities and their underlying factors at the intersection of sexual orientation and race/ethnicity in middle and late adulthood. It examines disparities in healthcare access and utilization faced by aging sexual minority people of color using data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and the Generation Study.
Race/Ethnic Differences in Social Isolation from Middle to Later Life
Zhiyong Lin, Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, UT Austin
This project will examine changes in social isolation among different racial/ethnic groups from middle to later life using data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). It will also investigate risk factors, such as early life adversity and structural systems, contributing to race/ethnic disparities in social isolation experienced during the aging process.
Stress, Partnership, and Cognition of Aging Sexual Minority Adults
Yiwen Wang, Postdoctoral Associate, Department of Sociology, Rice University
Hui Liu, Professor,Department of Sociology, Purdue University
This study will investigate patterns of daily cognition across gay, lesbian, and straight couples in mid to late adulthood and assess the association between daily stress experiences and cognition. The project will also examine how stress and marital dynamics interact to affect cognition among aging couples. Understanding how spouses reciprocally influence each other's daily cognition will provide a crucial step in identifying relationship specific processes that contribute to and detract from optimal cognitive health for aging couples.
| 
