BA-UMAP: MEMORY AND AGING IN BLACK AMERICANS Led by Dr. Travonia Hughes, director of COAACH, the Black American-United Memory and Aging Project (BA-UMAP) is a community-centered research initiative focused on identifying the social, cultural, behavioral, environmental, and biological factors that impact memory and aging in Black Americans. Studies show that Black Americans are twice as likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, are often diagnosed at later stages, and experience more severe memory impairment at the time of diagnosis. These disparities highlight the urgent need for inclusive research. With no cure currently available, BA-UMAP works to close these gaps through data-driven insights, community engagement, and culturally informed strategies that support early detection, better care, and long-term brain health in Black communities.
HEALTHY AGING IN COMMUNITY SETTINGS Dr. Meng Zhao's research focuses on addressing health disparities and promoting healthy aging in community settings. She developed the Coronavirus Awareness and Preparedness Scale (CAPS) to assess community readiness during the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently leading the development of a digital square-stepping exercise program for older adults. Her work aims to improve physical, cognitive, and mental well-being among elders while advancing health equity through effective, community-based interventions.
SLEEP, DIET AND OTHER MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS FOR ALZHEIMER'S The research agenda centers on modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, particularly sleep and diet, and how these lifestyle factors affect brain structure and function in individuals experiencing normal cognitive aging as well as those diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Dr. Ashley Sanderlin's research training in Alzheimer’s disease has included clinical neuropsychological assessment, brain MRI imaging, and investigations into the interactions between body mass index, mood and behavioral changes, and their relationship with brain health. Current work involves the use of an in-home sleep monitoring device, the WatchPAT Central Plus, administered before and after dietary intervention with either a modified Mediterranean ketogenic diet or the American Heart Association low-fat control diet. This research explores whether shifting the brain’s primary energy source from glucose to ketones results in changes to sleep architecture and improvements in sleep quality. Additional areas of investigation include whether chronic sleep apnea influences dietary response and whether changes in sleep are associated with alterations in neuropsychiatric symptoms commonly observed alongside MCI. The lab also conducts community-based studies to examine the lived experiences of individuals at risk for dementia, using surveys and remote tools to assess sleep and dietary habits.
