# The Black American United Memory & Aging Project (BA-UMAP): An examination of cognitive decline in midlife and older Black adults using remote cognitive assessments, risk factors & biomarkers

> **NIH NIH R01** · NORTH CAROLINA AGRI & TECH ST UNIV · 2024 · $896,914

## Abstract

Project Summary
More research on the multi-level factors impacting the higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease
and related dementias among Black adults is critically needed. The overall goal of this project is
to increase our understanding of the biopsychosocial factors that impact cognitive outcomes in a
cohort of 600 longitudinally followed middle-aged and older Black adults (aged 55+). This cohort,
referred to as the Black American United Memory and Aging Project (BA-UMAP), will be
established and maintained remotely using an innovative online, faceless enrollment and data
collection strategy, and will involve: (a) a comprehensive assessment of biopsychosocial factors
through online questionnaires; (b) annual cognitive assessments, administered remotely via
computer and mobile devices; (c) the remote collection of non-invasive saliva and urine samples
at baseline and Year 4; and (d) the utilization and integration of digital media platforms for creating
a virtual community that provides outreach and education, and fosters trust. The overall objectives
of this study are to: (1) prospectively evaluate cognitive functioning and identify preferences for
remote cognitive assessment modalities; (2) identify sociocultural, behavioral, and environmental
factors associated with cross-sectional cognitive functioning and longitudinal cognitive decline,
and (3) examine the association of acquired biological risk factors, inclusive of family and health
history, and salivary and urine biomarkers, to cognitive functioning and cognitive decline. This
research is a necessary step in understanding the etiology of cognitive decline in this growing
population, for informing relevant intervention strategies, reducing dementia rates and disparities,
and ultimately advancing health equity.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11138990
- **Project number:** 7R01AG079388-03
- **Recipient organization:** NORTH CAROLINA AGRI & TECH ST UNIV
- **Principal Investigator:** Travonia S Brown-Hughes
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $896,914
- **Award type:** 7
- **Project period:** 2022-09-01 → 2027-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11138990

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11138990, The Black American United Memory & Aging Project (BA-UMAP): An examination of cognitive decline in midlife and older Black adults using remote cognitive assessments, risk factors & biomarkers (7R01AG079388-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11138990. Licensed CC0.

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