Alzheimer´s disease (AD) and related disorders (ADRD) disproportionally impacts Hispanics/Latinos, who
exhibit higher rates, earlier onset and face unique challenges due to cultural, linguistic, socioeconomic or
healthcare access problems. Moreover, there is a shortage of researchers focused on ADRD in Mexican-
American (MA) Hispanics, the fastest growing minority in the US. Addressing the heterogeneity of ADRD
presentation and biology, using precision medicine approaches to improve risk prediction, target prevention
and treatment is likely to improve outcomes for MA and others. The proposed South Texas Alzheimer disease
Center (STAC) will exploit its unique geographic location in South Texas, a region of ~5 million, underserved
MA to develop infrastructure and data/biosample collections that will support researchers from multiple
disciplines to conduct research to diminish the burden of AD in Hispanics. We have 6 specific aims: (1)
Collecting and sharing longitudinal data from patients, controls and caregivers (2) Exploring the biological
heterogeneity of preclinical and clinical dementia, through deep phenotyping with clinical, imaging, genetic,
omic, CSF, blood and sensory-motor biomarkers and autopsy of all these enrollees (3) Focusing especially for
Aims #1 and #2 on Hispanic/Latino individuals (4) Identifying novel predictors/ biomarkers of dementia risk
and resilience, including for poorly understood clinic-pathologic subgroups such as Suspected Non-Alzheimer
(amyloid negative, neurodegeneration positive) Pathology [SNAP] in Hispanics with/without diabetes, (5) To
recruit, train, mentor and support a diverse research workforce, largely women and minorities, to become
leaders in multidisciplinary, team-based, ADRD research, (6) Bidirectional community education and
engagement, research into knowledge, attitudes and practices/preferences. The STAC will develop and share
culturally sensitive deep phenotyping methods beyond the Uniform Dataset (including novel cognitive,
behavioral, vascular, lifestyle factors, biomarkers), genetics and multi- dimensional omics within community-
based and patient and caregiver (dyadic) cohorts. Using state of the art clinical informatics and statistical
methods, these rich data should permit an exploration of the molecular heterogeneity of ADRD and uncover
novel biology and drug targets, treatment approaches. Finally we will collaborate, share data/samples and
expertise with other institutions in Texas and around the world, especially other ADRC Centers, the NACC,
NCRAD, NIAGADS. We will achieve these aims through creation of six required Cores and one component:
Administrative, Clinical, Data Management and Statistical, Neuropathology, Outreach, Recruitment and
Engagement, Biomarker Cores and the Research Education Component. In addition, we propose three
Optional Cores: Population Neuroscience, Imaging and Genetics and Multiomics Cores. The STAC will serve
as a national resource for disruptive, transformative and innovative research and the design, development,
testing and implementation of practical strategies to diminish the burden of AD in Hispanics.