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The contribution of air pollution to racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: An application of causal inference methods

Award Number: R00AG081453
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/15/2023
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2029

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The contribution of air pollution to racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: An application of causal inference methods - PROJECT SUMMARY Racial/ethnic minorities are at a higher risk for age-related cognitive dysfunction compared to non-Hispanic (NH) Whites. The mechanisms underlying this disparity are not well understood. Exposure to air pollution may be one important driver of these disparities. Recent epidemiologic studies suggest that increased exposure to air pollution increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Compared to NH Whites, racial/ethnic minorities are more likely to live in neighborhoods with higher levels of air pollution. No prior research, however, has quantified the contribution of air pollution as a driver of racial/ethnic disparities in ADRD. The scientific objective of this research is to evaluate air pollution as a potential driver of racial/ethnic disparities in ADRD and to understand the potential implications of air quality regulations on ADRD risk. We will focus this research on disparities between Mexican American and NH White racial/ethnic groups. This project uses an innovative approach to combine data from two existing cohort studies: The Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging and the Ginkgo Evaluation of Memory Study. We will harmonize outcome and exposure data from the two cohorts and examine whether the effect of air pollution on ADRD risk varies across racial/ethnic groups. We will also examine whether air pollution drives disparities in ADRD by examining racial/ethnic differences in air pollution exposure, individual- and neighborhood-level susceptibility to air pollution. Finally, we will measure the potential impacts of air quality regulations on ADRD risk, using air quality regulations related to seaports as an example. The proposed research will leverage advanced causal inference methods including econometric quasi-experimental study designs to carry out the proposed research. This research plan is complemented by a mentored training plan that builds upon the candidate’s background in environmental epidemiology and includes coursework, structured mentoring, and experiential learning in the following areas: 1) racial/ethnic disparities in ADRD, 2) environmental health disparities, 3) harmonization of cognitive data, 4) air quality regulations, and 5) application of advanced social epidemiology and causal inference methods. Together, the proposed research and training plan will prepare the candidate for a successful independent research career dedicated to identifying environmental determinants of healthy aging, especially in racial/ethnic minority populations.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $248,999 )
2026	2026	UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS	1850 RESEARCH PARK DR STE 300	DAVIS	CA	95618	YOLO	USA	Aging Research	000	3	2/26/2026	EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT FUNDS	$248,999
														Subtotal = $248,999

Grand Total All Awards = $248,999

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The contribution of air pollution to racial and ethnic disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias: An application of causal inference methods

Award Number: R00AG081453

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: SCIENTIFIC/HEALTH RESEARCH (INCLUDES SURVEYS)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 04/15/2023

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/28/2029

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