The African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt): An Oregon-based Longitudinal Study.

Objectives: The vast majority of studies on aging, cognition, and dementia focus on non-Hispanic white subjects. This paper adds to the extant literature by providing insight into the African American aging experience. Here we describe the study design and baseline characteristics of the African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt) study, which is exploring aging and cognition in African American older adults in Oregon. Methods: African American older adults (n=177) participated in AADAPt, a longitudinal study that collected data on cognitive, physical, and social functioning in annual visits since 2000. Results: AADAPt participants had risk factors for developing dementia in future, such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia, but also reported protective factors such as high social engagement. Conclusions: The AADAPt project offers new insights into aging in older African Americans that includes data on cognition, social engagement, and physical health, which are crucial for understanding the experience of under-represented groups and making future studies more inclusive. These findings reflect a window of time for a geographically-focused cohort, and the lessons learned from this study likely have broader implications for shaping the health of these older African American adults. Keywords: African American, Dementia, Observational Study.

Walking and Social Reminiscence in Gentrifying Neighborhoods: Feasibility and Impact on Cognitive, Physical, and Mental Health Among Older Black Adults in the SHARP Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Two exploratory 6-month pilots of triadic walking with culturally celebratory social reminiscence in gentrifying neighborhoods tested feasibility and health impact among normal and mildly cognitively impaired (MCI) older Black adults. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Fourteen triads walked 1-mile 3x/week, using a navigational application with image-based reminiscence prompts. Focus groups evaluated perceived health impact and experience. Primary outcome measures were program evaluations (feasibility), pre-post self-report health, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, blood pressure, and weight. Analysis used mean rank scores for program evaluations, pre-post paired t-tests for health outcomes, and thematic coding for 30 focus groups. RESULTS: Feasibility: Retention was 74% and 86% for pilots, and 92%, respectively, were "extremely likely" to recommend to friends/family. Mean rank scores indicated appropriate pace and dose, effective conversational prompts, and program readiness with minor changes. Health impact: Self-rated health, mood, activity levels, and energy improved, days feeling downhearted decreased, and days feeling calm/peaceful were maintained or improved. Among Cohort 2, cognitive assessment scores were maintained or improved for 67%; for MCI, 76% had mean improvement of 2.4 (p=.045). Blood pressure and weight decreased for 78% and 44% respectively. Focus groups: Perceived impact of triadic walking included increased physical and social activity outside the program, increased awareness of cognitive decline risk and personal agency, and deep-seated sense of community connection. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Triadic walking provides structure, accountability, connection, and purpose, motivating sustained engagement. Walking programs that center socialization, particularly within culturally meaningful contexts, may be more effective among older Black adults.