Investigating Social Vulnerability, Environmental Exposures, and Alzheimer's Disease Disparities in the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) pose a significant public health challenge, particularly among socially vulnerable populations. This diversity supplement, led by Laura Arboleda Merino, a doctoral candidate in Epidemiological Sciences at the University of Michigan, aims to investigate the role of social vulnerability as an independent risk factor for ADRD incidence and as a susceptibility factor in the association between heavy metals (lead and cadmium) and ADRD. Under the mentorship of Drs. Bakulski and Park and supported by a distinguished mentorship committee including Drs. Bhramar Mukherjee, Henry Paulson, Roger Albin, and Hiroko Dodge, the project will develop and validate a Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) tailored to aging populations. Using advanced statistical methodologies such as Factor Analysis, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and multivariate imputation (MICE) in R software, Ms. Arboleda Merino will explore disparities in healthcare access and outcomes among vulnerable communities, aiming to inform targeted interventions. Ms. Arboleda Merino’s training will encompass three key areas critical for her career development: deepening her expertise in ADRD research through specialized programs and conferences; advancing her statistical analysis skills to construct the SVI; and enhancing her research communication and career development through manuscript preparation, peer feedback, presentation of findings, and participation in faculty development programs and workshops, all aimed at preparing her for a successful transition to an independent research career. This comprehensive approach seeks to advance our understanding of ADRD within vulnerable populations and prepares Ms. Arboleda Merino for an impactful career in epidemiology and academia. By bridging research with practice, this project aims to contribute to public health initiatives that address health disparities and improve outcomes for aging populations affected by ADRD.