Data Management and Statistical Core

Data Management and Statistical Core – Project Summary The primary objectives of the Data Management and Statistics (DMS) Core are to provide data management and statistical support to the cores and affiliated projects of the University of Washington Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (UW ADRC). The DMS Core system analyst and managers construct, modify, and maintain the databases needed to store, integrate, and access the UW ADRC data across cores and from outside sources, while ensuring up-to-date computer security. They write the code for seamless integration and data flow between computers and databases that are in the individual laboratories, maintain the electronic data capture (EDC) system and data sharing procedures using the Central Database (CDB). They coordinate all data flow and data corrections; carry out data quality control and quality assurance analyses; collaborate with other cores to make necessary data corrections, and submit data to the National Alzheimer's disease Coordinating Center (NACC) for sharing with other investigators. They also develop data representations and data access procedures, and collaborate with other cores to derive attributes of the data that are used for data queries. The DMS Core statisticians support rigorous research across UW ADRC and affiliated projects, including all cores and development projects. This includes consultation and assistance regarding statistical design, analysis, and interpretation of data, and to initiate new collaborations. They also assist in manuscript preparation and, when needed, evaluate, develop and/or implement new analytical methodology as working software. The specific aims are: (1) To provide data management support for projects, cores, affiliated projects, and development projects. This includes ensuring database timely and accurate data capture using the EDC, timely upload of clinical, neuropathology, and targeted genotyping data to NACC; tracking and monitoring of data completion and quality; coordination of data flow between cores; development of data extraction tools; and maintenance and continued development of databases and tools. (2) To provide statistical support for projects, cores, development projects and affiliated projects of the UW ADRC. This will include providing statistical consultation on design, analysis, and interpretation of results; carrying out data analyses; assisting with associated manuscript preparation; and evaluating and extending statistical methodologies. (3) Conducting interdisciplinary research, using advances in statistical machine learning and epidemiology, to identify effective biomarkers of ADRD and response to treatment and to interrogate mechanisms of ADRD resilience. (4) Train the next generation of ADRD researchers, including both data-savvy ADRD researchers and data scientists with interdisciplinary training in ADRD. By completing these aims, the DMS Core the DMS Core will facilitate the overall goals of the UW ADRC in its mission toward reducing the burden of Alzheimer's disease.