Protocol for the Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease (ACAD) Study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Alzheimer's disease (AD) research has historically under-represented Asian populations in North America.
• Asian Americans and Asian Canadians are a rapidly growing demographic group.
• Addressing this gap is crucial for understanding AD risk factors across diverse ancestries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish the Asian Cohort for Alzheimer's Disease (ACAD) Study, recruiting over 5000 participants of Asian descent (initially Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese).
• To characterize genetic and non-genetic risk factors for AD within these specific subpopulations.
• To develop culturally and linguistically appropriate methods for AD research in Asian communities.

Main Methods:

• Development of a culturally adapted Data Collection Packet (DCP) including demographics, lifestyle, medical history, functional, and cognitive assessments.
• Adaptation of questionnaires and cognitive tests to balance existing AD cohort synergy with unique Asian subpopulation characteristics.
• Implementation of community-based participatory research (CBPR) strategies for recruitment and engagement.

Main Results:

• The ACAD Study successfully developed and implemented a culturally sensitive Data Collection Packet (DCP) and recruitment strategy.
• The study is positioned to address challenges in recruitment, language barriers, and cultural appropriateness in AD research.
• Integration of comprehensive survey, cognitive, and biomarker data (DNA, plasma) for multidimensional analyses.

Conclusions:

• The ACAD Study provides a robust framework for recruiting and assessing diverse Asian populations in AD research.
• The adaptable data collection protocol can be extended to other Asian subpopulations, enhancing participant diversity.
• Findings will contribute to bridging knowledge gaps and improving AD understanding and care for under-represented groups.