Brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's in low CVD-risk population

Project Summary: The parent RF1 (1 RF1 AG054442-01) provides new data on brain atrophy and Alzheimer'sdisease and Related Dementias (ADRD) in two indigenous Bolivian populations, the Tsimaneand the Moseten, with extremely low rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) but high burdens ofinfection and inflammation. The aims of this project are: (1) Longitudinal assessment ofcognitive impairment and dementia in a low cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk population,Tsimane forager-horticulturalists of lowland Bolivia; (2) Neuroimaging to identify brain atrophycorrelates of cognitive impairment, AD and other dementias; (3) Characterization of theprevalence of brain atrophy, cognitive impairment, and dementias in the Tsimane; (4) Collect in-depth data on diet and physical activity; and (5) Examine the interaction of inflammation andAPOE genotype on cognitive functioning for individual longitudinal change. ADRD prevalencewas estimated during the first 2.5 years of NIA funding. Current results indicate a lowprevalence (<5%) of dementia after age 70 with no cases of moderate to severe dementia. Thetwo specific aims of this administrative supplement will determine: (1) whether cognitiveimpairment and dementia are risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or morbidity andmortality, if infected; and (2) if Covid-19 results cognitive and neurological aging impairment.The first aim is necessary for interpreting existing data and achieving the original project goals.it is necessary to determine whether those who develop cognitive impairment dementia are atgreater risk for COVID-19 mortality in order to control for a potential downward bias in theestimation of dementia incidence. The second aim presents a new unique opportunity toinvestigate the original project goal of studying impacts of infection on cognitive decline andADRD. It will evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection on cognitive function and ADRDincidence.