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Mission Statement

WHO ARE WE?

The Aging & Brain Health Alliance at Rutgers University-Newark fosters interdisciplinary and university-community collaboration to expand our understanding of aging, brain health, and the prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.

WHO DO WE WORK WITH?

We focus on populations with elevated risk for dementia, especially African Americans, who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease at over twice the rate of the general population.

WHAT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE COMMUNITY?

In partnership with local community-based and faith-based organizations, we promote Alzheimer’s awareness and risk reduction through brain-healthy habits and lifestyle choices.

Community Engagement

  • “Lunch & Learn” workshops are offered at churches, senior centers, and federally-assisted housing. They feature a free healthy meal and brief educational presentations on brain health and Alzheimer’s prevention.
  • Free cardio-fitness exercise classes offered at churches and senior centers as part of our research on how to improve brain health through physical activity.
  • Special programs for men are held in partnership with men’s church ministries and other groups that cater to men.
  • Dementia Caregiver Support groups are being organized at local churches, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
  • Health Fairs and other programs to promote brain health and wellness

Research

  • How do our daily habits and activities affect our brain health over time?
    For African Americans ages 55 and older, we have a long-term study of aging. An MRI brain scan is offered to participants at no charge. Study participants are then invited to return for a follow-up visit every two years.
MAKE A DONATION

Recent Publications

  • To Survive a Covid-19 Infection, Older Adults Should Exercise Regularly and Maintain Cardio-Fitness
  • Sinha, N., Berg, C. N., Yassa, M. A., & Gluck, M. A. (2021). Increased Dynamic Flexibility in Medial Temporal Lobe Network Following Exercise Intervention Mediates Generalization of Prior Learning. Neurobiology of Learning and Memory. 177. 107340.
  • Sinha, N., Berg, C. N., Shaw, A., & Gluck, M. A. (2020). ABCA7 Genotype Moderates the Effect of Aerobic Exercise Intervention on Generalization of Prior Learning in Healthy Older African Americans. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease: JAD, 74(1), 309.
  • Sinha, N., Reagh, Z. M., Tustison, N. J., Berg, C. N., Shaw, A., Myers, C. E., Hill, D., Yassa, M. A., & Gluck, M. A. (2018). ABCA7 risk variant in healthy older African Americans is associated with a functionally isolated entorhinal cortex mediating deficient generalization of prior discrimination training. Hippocampus. DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23042
  • Berg, C. N., Sinha, N., & Gluck, M. A. (2019). ABCA7 Risk Genotype Diminishes the Neuroprotective Value of Aerobic Fitness in Healthy Older African Americans. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 11:73.
  • Sinha, N., Reagh, Z. M., Tustison, N. J., Berg, C. N., Shaw, A., Myers, C. E., Hill, D., Yassa, M. A., & Gluck, M. A. (2018). ABCA7 risk variant in healthy older African Americans is associated with a functionally isolated entorhinal cortex mediating deficient generalization of prior discrimination training. Hippocampus. DOI: 10.1002/hipo.23042
    • To learn more about becoming a paid
    participant in research on aging and brain
    health in African Americans, please call
    (973) 353-3673
    If your church or other community
    organization would like to host a brain
    health and Alzheimer’s
    awareness educational program,
    please call us at
    (973) 353-3673
    or email
    memory@rutgers.edu

    WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:

     


    National Institute on Aging
    National Institutes of Health

    Office of Minority and Multicultural Health
    New Jersey Department of Health

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