2023 Alzheimer's Association Research Fellowship to Promote Diversity (AARF-D)

Alzheimer’s Risk Factors and Acculturation in Brazilian Immigrants

What are the risk and protective factors for Alzheimer’s in Brazilian immigrants? 

Sharon Sanz Simon, Ph.D.
Columbia University Irving Medical Center
New York, NY - United States

Background

According to the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures Report, older Hispanic/Latino American adults are about one and one-half times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementia as older White Americans. However, the larger Hispanic/Latino American community is a very diverse group of individuals with different cultural histories and health profiles. 

Brazilian immigrants make up one population that may be at high risk for Alzheimer’s but is underrepresented in health research. Brazilian immigrants may experience health-related disparities that influence their risk for Alzheimer’s. Studies have also shown that the immigration experience is associated with certain brain health risks and protective factors, though these likely vary among different groups. The risk and protective factors for Alzheimer’s among Brazilian immigrants is not well understood.

Research Plan

Dr. Sharon Sanz Simon and colleagues will investigate the relationships between Alzheimer’s risk factors, acculturation, and cognition in a new cohort of older, cognitively healthy Brazilian immigrants to the US. The individuals will provide blood samples and complete neuropsychological assessments and questionnaires regarding lifestyle/sociocultural and acculturation factors.

Impact

The results may advance the understanding of specific risk and resilience factors for Alzheimer’s among Brazilian immigrants, an underserved population. This may contribute to reducing health inequities, improving diagnosis accuracy, and informing culturally sensitive interventions for this population.