<< Back
What social factors contribute to Alzheimer’s risk in South Korea?
Hanna Cho, Ph.D.
University-Industry Foundation, Yonsei University Health System
Seoul, United States
Background
Studies have shown that social factors such as education, income, and access to healthcare can impact brain health and one’s lifetime risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other dementia. As the population of older adults aged 65 and older begins to rise in Korea, there is a need to identify the social factors that increase one’s risk of developing Alzheimer’s in this region. Dr. Hanna Cho and colleagues propose a pilot study to identify the social factors that contribute to brain health and Alzheimer’s risk among older individuals living in Korea.
Research Plan
Dr. Cho and the team will leverage clinical and demographic data from 150 participants – 100 individuals with cognitive impairment and 50 cognitively unimpaired individuals being treated at the Yonsei University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea. First, the researchers will examine the association between amyloid plaques and tau tangles, two of the hallmark brain changes in Alzheimer’s that can be detected by brain imaging techniques, and social factors including income, education, access to healthcare resources, and several others. Next, Dr. Cho and the team will examine the link between these factors and cognitive function.
Impact
This study could provide insight into the social factors that contribute to Alzheimer’s risk in Korea. Further, the knowledge gained by this study could also improve the ability of healthcare providers and caregivers to meet the needs of older individuals with Alzheimer’s in this region.
Back to Top