# Brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's in low CVD-risk population

> **NIH NIH RF1** · CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $1,035,885

## Abstract

Project Summary
The parent RF1 (1 RF1 AG054442-01) provides new data on brain atrophy and Alzheimer’s
disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in two indigenous Bolivian populations, the Tsimane
and the Moseten, with extremely low rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but high burdens of
infection and inflammation. The aims of this project are: (1) Longitudinal assessment of
cognitive impairment and dementia in a low cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk population,
Tsimane forager-horticulturalists of lowland Bolivia; (2) Neuroimaging to identify brain atrophy
correlates of cognitive impairment, AD and other dementias; (3) Characterization of the
prevalence of brain atrophy, cognitive impairment, and dementias in the Tsimane; (4) Collect in-
depth data on diet and physical activity; and (5) Examine the interaction of inflammation and
APOE genotype on cognitive functioning for individual longitudinal change. ADRD prevalence
was estimated during the first 2.5 years of NIA funding. Current results indicate a low
prevalence (<5%) of dementia after age 70 with no cases of moderate to severe dementia. The
two specific aims of this administrative supplement will determine: (1) whether cognitive
impairment and dementia are risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or morbidity and
mortality, if infected; and (2) if Covid-19 results cognitive and neurological aging impairment.
The first aim is necessary for interpreting existing data and achieving the original project goals.
it is necessary to determine whether those who develop cognitive impairment dementia are at
greater risk for COVID-19 mortality in order to control for a potential downward bias in the
estimation of dementia incidence. The second aim presents a new unique opportunity to
investigate the original project goal of studying impacts of infection on cognitive decline and
ADRD. It will evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection on cognitive function and ADRD
incidence.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10203685
- **Project number:** 3RF1AG054442-02S6
- **Recipient organization:** CHAPMAN UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** CALEB E FINCH
- **Activity code:** RF1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $1,035,885
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2017-09-01 → 2022-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10203685

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10203685, Brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's in low CVD-risk population (3RF1AG054442-02S6). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10203685. Licensed CC0.

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