Grant: Op. Grant: Mechanisms in Brain Aging and Dementia - Infection and Inflammation

Clinicians rely on results of published studies to estimate disease prevalence, progression, treatment effects, and outcomes. This is based on the assumption that research studies use data collected from a number of individuals that are representative of the general population. However, the use of truly representative samples is limited. For example, many Alzheimer's disease studies are based on data that mostly includes highly educated white participants without the vascular problems common to the general public. Our goal is to improve the current understanding of Alzheimer's disease by studying different race and ethnic populations that represent the Canadian population. A more inclusive representation of people with or at risk of Alzheimer's disease would include those with different education levels with their own specific risk factors and vascular disease in the brain. We have put together a collection of data from more than 23,000 individuals with different education levels, ethnicities/races, and vascular brain disease that we will use to study how Alzheimer's disease impacts each of these populations. Our study will lead to development of more representative models that will be applicable to the general population, including people from different races, education levels, and those with additional brain vascular disease. These models will enable more accurate assessment of patient outcomes, thus leading to better disease prevention, treatment, and management. Our study will contribute to more equitable and efficient disease management strategies that can lead to better outcomes for the entire population. These findings will provide tailored approaches to slowing disease progression in diverse populations. Slowing disease progression will improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their families, and allow them to plan for future. Finally, our study results will help improve clinical trials designed to find medications to treat the disease.