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<B>Identifying modifiable risk factors for dementia: GAAIN meta-analysis
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   Lead Investigator:    Andrew Huynh
   Institution      :    Austin Health
   E-Mail           :    kathryn_gauthreaux@yahoo.com
   Proposal ID      :    1632
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   Proposal Description:
   <textarea name="description" rows="12" cols="85" wrap="virtual" readonly>Addressing the growing burden of dementia worldwide is a major public health challenge. Its prevalence, both internationally and in Australia is projected to quadruple by the year 2050 (Brookmeyer, 2007). However to date, no disease-modifying therapies are available for clinical practice.    Contributing to between 50-70 of cases worldwide, Alzheimer?s disease (AD) is the most prevalent cause of dementia (Winblad, 2016). With projected population ageing in both developed and developing world still increasing, there is a real imperative to identify treatments that may reduce or delay the onset of dementia (Barnes, 2011).    Our previous research suggests that modifiable risk factors such as hypertension and obesity may be associated with presence of AD biomarkers (e.g. amyloid PET). However, these relationships may differ according to age, genetic factors and disease progression. We seek to validate and expand upon these preliminary findings in a large meta-analysis using data shared via the Global Alzheimer?s Association Interactive Network (GAAIN). Data will be extracted from GAAIN partner studies, including brain amyloid (PET Imaging data) and brain volumes (MRI data) as well as variables of interest (demographics, medical history, medications, blood pressure, anthropomorphic measures).    Association between imaging data and risk factors will be assessed using logistic or linear regression (cross sectional data) and linear mixed models (longitudinal data). We seek to better understand the relationships between hypertension, obesity and dementia.                                                                      1. Is obesity/adiposity associated with Alzheimer?s disease biomarkers (blood and PET)?  2. Is obesity/or adiposity associated with changes in brain volume?  3. Is obesity or adiposity associated with change in cognition?    4. Are associations between obesity and brain structure or cognitive performance mediated by Alzheimer?s disease, or by other me </textarea>