Health Disparities in Cognitive Aging

To improve the measurement of cognition across diverse groups, my research engages minority samples and critically analyzes the effectiveness of measurement tools (i.e., symptom scales and neuropsychological assessments). Accurate assessment and effective interventions require diverse, heterogeneous participant samples because sample diversity allows for generalizability of results. African American and Hispanic individuals are at an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Unfortunately, they are less likely to participate in longitudinal and clinical trials research and are more likely to receive a diagnosis later in the disease process. To support recruitment and retention of diverse samples into research, I utilize a community-based participatory approach that engenders relationships between community organizations and research initiatives.

I rely upon neuropsychological assessment to understand the features and rate of cognitive change following injury, aging, or disease progression. I am interested in understanding the domains of neuropsychological functioning, their relationship to one another within the neuroanatomical networks of the brain, and their ecological correlates in daily life. As a result, my research goals are dependent upon accurately quantifying cognitive functioning across diverse individuals. Comparable and equitable assessment across groups and accurate monitoring of cognition over time require valid, reliable, and culturally unbiased tools. This area of research includes test and scale development and advanced psychometrics.