Clinical research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has not always included all older adults. For example, most studies include few older Asian American adults. This limits our ability to understand or to treat diseases in all people. The Asian Cohort for Alzheimer’s Disease (ACAD) is an international study that aims to fill a gap in Alzheimer’s research by exploring the genetic and environmental factors that play a role in the risk for Alzheimer’s disease in Asian American and Asian Canadian populations.
ACAD is currently enrolling a cohort of individuals of Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese ancestry with plans to expand to other major Asian populations. Participation in the study includes a remote online interview with cognitive and neurological exams, and a mail-in saliva sample for genetic analysis. Follow-up assessments occur two years later, based on the results of cognitive testing.
UCI MIND is one of eight recruiting sites for ACAD. Our goal is to enroll approximately 500 Vietnamese American participants 60 years and older who speak English or Vietnamese into the study. Mrs. Deanna Dang, a staff research associate with a background in social work and human services, is the coordinator for study here in Irvine. Her vast expertise includes decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the Vietnamese community in Orange County.
Alzheimer’s disease is a growing problem for Vietnamese American seniors, with delayed diagnosis and treatment often stemming from lack of awareness, misconceptions, language, and cultural barriers. Mrs. Dang has been instrumental in partnering with Vietnamese community-based organizations and media groups in Orange County, to raise Alzheimer’s awareness and encourage research participation among Vietnamese Americans with culturally tailored education and community events. Her outreach efforts have resulted in earned Vietnamese media coverage, engagement at multiple health fairs and over 20 in-person presentations. She has engaged approximately 500 individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in the past year. Among those reached, more than two hundred have expressed interest in the ACAD study.
Across ACAD, 1,146 participants have completed the study, but we are still short of our goal. If you are interested in learning more, visit our website: https://acadstudy.org, or contact Mrs. Dang at (949) 293-1992.
