Genetic Risk in LASI-DAD

We intend to utilize genetic available in the LASI-DAD cohort, including whole-genome sequencing and TopMed imputed data, to conduct genetic association studies. In our previous work as detailed in the paper "Improving Genetic Risk Modeling of Dementia from Real-World Data in Underrepresented Populations", we developed polygenic risk scores using electronic health records from UCLA Health across diverse ancestry groups (Hispanic Latino American, African American, and East Asian American). Our objective using the LASI-DAD genetic data is to examine the correlation between dementia related genetic risk models with dementia diagnoses and cognitive function. We plan to investigate the association between these genetic risk score, and the five broad cognitive domains (orientation, memory, executive functioning, language/fluency, and visuospatial function). These analytical results can be compared to our and others’ previous work.

The research will examine how genetic factors affect memory and cognitive abilities as individuals grow older. Using the data from the LASI-DAD study, which includes comprehensive genetic information, we aim to explore whether genetic risks for dementia are linked to actual dementia diagnoses and specific cognitive functions. Utilizing the LASI-DAD data would help us compare the results with our previous work, where we developed genetic risk models for dementia in diverse groups like Hispanic Latino, African American, and East Asian American populations. Gaining insight into these differences may enhance our understanding of genetic influences on dementia across diverse populations, contributing to improved diagnosis.