As the older population increases, it is also becoming more diverse, reflecting U.S. demographic changes as a whole. There is a disproportionate burden of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) disparities among racial and ethnic minority populations and the lack of an evidence base to effectively prevent and reduce these disparities. There is urgent need to cultivate a cadre of health disparities researchers who can advance translational research in aging and ADRD disparities in both clinical practices and community-based settings. My overarching aim with this K07 award is to provide training and mentorship opportunities in participatory research principles, health disparities research methods, systems science approaches, and dissemination and implementation research methods while convening a network of transdisciplinary faculty andcommunity advisors that supports mentored career development opportunities for aging and ADRD disparities research. With this proposal I seek to: 1) Establish a research training program to build academic capacity and leadership to advance the science of aging and ADRD health disparities; 2) Advance innovative participatory, systems science, and implementation science frameworks and methods for aging and ADRD research in minority and health disparity populations through curriculum development, pilot awards, and applied training opportunities; and 3) Mentor junior scientists in applying multi-level, community-engaged frameworks and rigorous methods to advance the science of aging and ADRD health disparities research. Approximately 50 faculty and postdoctoral fellows from NYU will participate in various K07 trainings, collaborative courses, and pilot projects for aging and ADRD disparities research. In addition, I will mentor approximately 12 mentees in aging and ADRD research. This K07 award will provide necessary support and time for me to: 1) develop and formalize a robust training and mentorship program that would provide the foundation for securing a T32 or similar training mechanisms to build the research workforce pipeline for aging and ADRD disparities research; 2) institutionalize a rigorous training program on fundamental and cutting-edge health disparities research methods into existing infrastructures to ensure long-term program sustainability; and 3) deepen my expertise and leadership in system science approaches and its integration with participatory research and implementation science frameworks relevant to aging and ADRD research. The impact of this K07 award will both accelerate the science of aging and ADRD disparities research and promote the training and career development of the next generation of aging and ADRD researchers to address NIA priorities.
As the US population becomes older and more diverse, there is urgent need to cultivate a pool of health disparities researchers who can advance translational research in aging and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) disparities and promote evidence-based interventions in both clinical practices and community-based settings. With this grant, I propose to: 1) establish a research training program to build academic capacity and leadership to advance the science of aging and ADRD health disparities; 2) advance innovative participatory, systems science, and implementation science frameworks and methods for aging and ADRD research in minority and health disparity populations; and 3) mentor junior scientists in applying multi- level, community-engaged frameworks and rigorous methods to advance the science of aging and ADRD health disparities research.
