# Understanding Biological and Lifestyle Contributions to Alzheimer's Disease Pathology and Clinical Profiles in Black Women: Defining Prevention Targets in High Risk Groups

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2024 · $43,142

## Abstract

Project Summary:
Sleep, particularly obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), is identified as a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's
disease (AD), with evidence linking sleep disruptions to dementia and AD. Therapeutic trials for OSA show
potential cognitive benefits and alterations in brain regions. OSA is associated with inflammation, potentially
contributing to neurodegeneration. Socioenvironmental factors, such as neighborhood disadvantage, influence
cognitive decline and AD pathology. In OSA, neighborhood characteristics also impact severity. Disparities
exist in AD and OSA research, notably affecting Black women who are underrepresented and at heightened
risk of AD. Considering the increased susceptibility to AD observed among both Black individuals and women,
and recognizing their inadequate representation in AD research, it becomes crucial to investigate modifiable
risk factors for AD in Black women. The present study proposes to 1) Test the moderating influence of sleep
apnea on the relationship between inflammation and cognitive performance and p-Tau levels among Black
women, and 2) Determine if sleep apnea mediates the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic
disadvantage/neighborhood perceptions and cognition and p-Tau among Black women. Study visits will take
place at community sites in predominanUy Black neighborhoods in both LA and SD. There will be a baseline
visit and a follow-up visit 24 months after baseline (+/- 60 days). Baseline visits will include consent, blood
draw, cognitive testing, explanation and completion of questionnaires, and consent and instruction on both an
actigraphy device and home sleep test. Follow-up visits will involve re-consenting, blood draw, cognitive
testing, mood-related questionnaires, and home sleep tests. This project aims to extend the parent grant by
investigating the impact of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on inflammation, tau, and cognitive function in Black
women. It will identify key OSA metrics influencing these relationships. Additionally, subjective measures of
neighborhood social cohesion and disorder will be integrated to complement objective assessments of
neighborhood disadvantage and explore their associations with OSA, tau, and cognitive function. The project
aligns with my learning and research goals, enhancing my expertise in sleep as an Alzheimer's disease risk
factor, collection, analysis, and interpretation of AD biomarkers, design and management of clinical research
using a community-based approach, and advanced training in longitudinal research design and related data
analytic methods. The obtained preliminary data will support future NIH 1<23 application, facilitating my growth
into an independent researcher.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11080091
- **Project number:** 3R01AG077579-02S2
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** SARAH BANKS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $43,142
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-12-15 → 2027-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11080091

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11080091, Understanding Biological and Lifestyle Contributions to Alzheimer's Disease Pathology and Clinical Profiles in Black Women: Defining Prevention Targets in High Risk Groups (3R01AG077579-02S2). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11080091. Licensed CC0.

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