About the Study

The Boston Puerto Rican Health Study (BPRHS), begun in 2004, is a longitudinal study centered on our established cohort of 1500 older Puerto Ricans adults residing in the Greater Boston area. We are currently conducting a fourth follow-up visit with participants. The purpose of this study visit is to examine the potential associations of processed foods consumption and phosphorus and vitamin B6 intakes with cognitive function using a battery of cognitive tests and brain MRI scans. Previous study visits focused on stress, cardiovascular health and overall health outcomes in relation to diet, health disparities and aging.

The Boston Puerto Rican Osteoporosis Study (BPROS) is an extension of the BPRHS. After participants of the BPRHS completed their 2-year visit, they were invited to take part in the BPROS. The BPROS collected additional measurements, including bone mineral density (BMD). We recently completed a follow-up visit with participants of the BPROS to study changes in BMD over time and examine bone strength in relation to compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs).