Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease

The researchers are studying how Asian people may have different risks for developing dementia (severe memory problems) in old age based on genetics and other non-genetic factors. The researchers suspect this may be significantly different from non-Asian people, and eventually this information might guide the use of medication among different ethnic groups. The cells of your body contain your specific genetic code or DNA. DNA is passed down from your parents, in the form of genes, which determine your physical characteristics, such as the color of your hair and eyes, and risks for some diseases. Just as differences in our genetic code help explain why everyone look different; these differences can also help to explain why some people develop certain diseases and others do not. Non-genetic factors, such as lifestyle, might explain various diseases risks across different people. The research will check the genes from both people with dementia and those without dementia.

Inclusion:
60 years old or older
Identify as Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese
Lives in the United States
Can speak English, Mandarin, and/or Cantonese

Exclusion:
Diagnosis of an infectious (i.e., syphilis) or oncologic central nervous system disease; major structural brain disease such as large hemispheric ischemic infarcts, subdural hematoma, hemorrhage, hydrocephalus, any hearing or visual impairment that hinders full participation in cognitive testing, participants with psychosis (including schizophrenia or other psychiatric disorders, bipolar disorder, severe depression, or delirium).