# Multisystem risk profile of older adults to predict cognitive function and impairment

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · 2020 · $157,500

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 Pathogenesis and pathophysiology of AD and ADRD are multifaceted and complex. Varying individual
factors further complicate the onset, progression and outcomes of the disease. For example, in spite of great
interests and progress made in uncovering the association between cognitive decline and cardiovascular (CV)
conditions, it largely remains unclear what other factors that are comorbid with CV conditions such as
(neuro)inflammation, metabolic disorders and declined physical function, play a role and to what extent. With
these often concurring conditions, it is challenging to disentangle independent or relative effects of those risk
factors further confounded by individual differences. This RFA states one of the important topics as “…
cardiovascular, metabolic and other risk factors; neuroinflammation; neuroimaging and other biomarkers…”,
signifying the need for more comprehensive investigations on risk factor and marker identification to move the
field forward and by engaging “new” workforce. Furthermore, it is paramount to pay more attention to
identifying composite as well as independent risk for a cognitive decline by simultaneously investigating multi-
system risk factors (“MRFs”) especially, among the high-risk individuals such as those with a cognitive function
decline or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or even those who are currently asymptomatic with identifiable risk
factors in order to mobilize efforts in prevention of AD/ADRD. Thus, we propose to scrutinize multisystem risk
factors categorized into following five domains in predicting cognitive function and impairment status:
neuroinflammatory, metabolic, hemodynamic, psychosocial and physical functioning. Leveraging an
ongoing R01 study of a behavioral intervention among elderly individuals (65 – 89 years of age) and recruiting
additional participants (to include more individuals with a formal diagnosis of MCI using neuropsychological
test) from Co-I, Dr. Delano-Woods’ clinic (UCSD Memory, Aging and Resilience Center, MARC), we will be
able to utilize the existing and newly acquired data of proposed risk factors in five domains as well as cognitive
outcomes. The cognitive function and impairment will be assessed and defined by using Montreal Cognitive
Assessment (MoCA) and a neuropsychological (NP) battery for which the levels of ‘agreement’ between the
two measures will be examined in the context of predictability of MRFs. The cross-sectional and prospective
predictability of MRFs will be investigated and the sex and sex by age interaction effects will be tested.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9902305
- **Project number:** 5R03AG063328-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Suzi Hong
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $157,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-04-01 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9902305

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9902305, Multisystem risk profile of older adults to predict cognitive function and impairment (5R03AG063328-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9902305. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*