Analysis Core

REVISED ABSTRACT: The overall goal of the Analysis Core (AnC) is to provide the JHAD-RCMAR with the methodologic expertise needed to create the next generation of research on AD/ADRD, aging on persons from social and economic groups, and variations across groups. Building on our world-class biostatistics environment at Johns Hopkins, we have expanded our methodological expertise to include mixed methods and qualitative approaches to better encompass translational studies (e.g., intervention development) and implementation research, as well as observational studies of risk factors and functional and cognitive trajectories. While quantitative approaches can characterize and measure outcomes, the use of mixed methods and qualitative approaches can complement statistical analyses to identify unmeasured factors that might be associated with how an individual responds to interventions or to how to better accommodate needs and circumstances through tailoring interventions. Under the direction of the Leadership and Administrative Core (LAC), and in close collaboration with the Research Education Component (REC) and the Community-Liaison and Recruitment Core (CLRC), the AnC aims to provide methodological expertise in support of the conceptualization, design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of research relevant to the work of the RCMAR Scientists; provide access to modern data acquisition and management tools and emerging computing technologies by capitalizing on the existing IT infrastructure at the Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health; and provide mentoring to junior faculty supported by the REC, with the goals of maximizing their skills in study design, data analysis, effective communication with consultants, and ability to translate research findings into clinical and community-based interventions and practice. The AnC will also provide scientific leadership for the JHAD-RCMAR and heighten visibility of our research by building and maintaining the JHAD-RCMAR website; disseminate measures, methods, and findings to the AD-RCMAR networks and other investigators, and partner with the CLRC and Johns Hopkins OAIC to increase study recruitment and retention of older adults. We have a critical mass of dedicated expertise, infrastructure, and staffing to support the proposed studies in our AD-RCMAR. The interdisciplinary relationships that we have built with the gerontologic scientists at Johns Hopkins through years of collaboration in gerontology, and our track record of employing and teaching state-of-the-art methods, position this Core to make substantial contributions to research on aging on persons from social and economic groups and the effectiveness of this AD-RCMAR.