Physiological and Sociocultural Disparities of Brain Aging and Neurodegeneration

4 units · Undergraduate upper division (100-199)

(Same as Neuroscience M164.) Lecture, two and one half hours. Examination of how sociocultural and biological factors contribute to brain aging and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs), with regards to questions such as why Black and Hispanic communities have higher rates of dementia. Study of various tools and technologies to measure these sociocultural and biological factors, and how cultural biases of these methods might impact racialized communities. Discussion of current community-based participatory research methods in order to identify barriers and facilitators to participation of Black and Hispanic communities in ADRD research and clinical trial studies. Students develop a deeper understanding of best practices for health equity research and health disparities related to brain aging and dementia for racialized communities. Letter grading.